By Erewunmi Peace

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly told close associates and political visitors at his Abuja residence that he is not interested in contesting in the 2027 presidential election, according to a report by The Nation quoted by Opera News.

The report claims that Jonathan, who led Nigeria between 2010 and 2015, expressed his reluctance to re-enter active politics despite persistent lobbying from certain political actors. The former president allegedly told visitors that those urging him to contest are motivated by personal interests, adding that he has “played his part” in the nation’s political history.

No Official Statement Yet

So far, Jonathan has not released an official statement on the matter, and there has been no confirmation from his spokesperson or the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. The claims remain attributed to unnamed sources, raising questions about their authenticity.

Jonathan has been a recurring name in Nigeria’s political discussions since leaving office in 2015 after losing to President Muhammadu Buhari. Ahead of the 2023 elections, there were speculations about his possible return under the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, but Jonathan dismissed such claims and remained out of the race.

A court ruling in 2022 clarified that Jonathan could legally contest in future elections despite the constitutional term-limit debate. However, the latest report suggests that the former president may have ruled out any comeback.

What This Means

If confirmed, Jonathan’s position could reshape ongoing political calculations ahead of 2027, particularly for those who see him as a potential consensus candidate. For now, Nigerians and political observers will be waiting for an official statement to put the speculation to rest.