Supporters call it a chance to reset Nigeria, critics call it political suicide.
The political atmosphere in Nigeria has been stirred once again by the possible re-entry of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan into the presidential race. Although Jonathan has not officially declared his intention to contest in 2027, mounting speculation, political manoeuvring by some party leaders, and subtle endorsements from influential northern politicians have pushed his name back into the national conversation.
The proposed plan, according to political insiders, is strategic: field Jonathan for a single term to fulfil the constitutional limit on his eligibility, after which power would rotate back to the North. This arrangement is seen by some as a tactical compromise capable of calming the country’s tense regional politics. For others, it is simply a calculated move by political elites to protect their interests rather than address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
The idea has sharply divided Nigerians. Supporters point to Jonathan’s peaceful disposition, democratic credentials, and what they view as an unfinished legacy of national unity and economic stability. Critics argue that his return would represent a backward step, recycling leadership that failed to address key problems during his time in office. Others remain sceptical of the political motive, warning that the move could be more about power rotation than genuine reform.
To gauge public sentiment, GbaramatuVoice invited readers on Facebook and X to share their views in response to the question: “Would you vote for Goodluck Jonathan in 2027 if he declares?” What followed was a wave of passionate reactions—some rooted in loyalty, others in caution, and many in outright rejection.
Supporters: ‘He Can Reset Nigeria’
For Jonathan’s loyalists, his return is not about recycling leadership—it’s about restoring stability, unity, and development.
Nick Afore wrote, “Jonathan’s coming is to reset the country on the path of smooth economic development, peace, unity and progress as he left it in 2015. This… is highly needed by the country much more than politics for the existence and survival of the nation called Nigeria.”
Timiebi Tonifie pledged unconditional loyalty: “Come today, tomorrow… if my hero (His Excellency President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan) decide to run, me and my house will solidly support him and vote for him come rain, come sun… because he has the good interest of the growth of the nation and humanity at heart.”
Reuben Jnr St Paul pointed to Ghana’s John Mahama as an example: “John Mahama, former president of Ghana, came back and he’s doing just fine. Let’s give GEJ the second term and make things a little bit easier.”
Others like Usiho’s Davide were even more emphatic: “Yes, I go vote for Goodluck one billion times.”
Conditional Support: ‘But the Politics Must Be Right’
Some respondents said they would support Jonathan under certain political conditions.
Tarilatei Daneke expressed concern about a split in southern votes if Jonathan runs against Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi while the North fields a single candidate: “Does it really matter in Nigerian politics? Unless INEC is fixed and the judiciary live up to their expectations as the hope of the masses, the highest bidder will still take the day.”
Joseph Preye said, “If he’s ready and prepared for it… let him run for president come 2027. After all, Obasanjo was tested during the military era and also became civilian president later. The same thing with Buhari too.”
But Kabe Dickson warned that a comeback could backfire: “If His Excellency Goodluck E. Jonathan contests… he may lose the respect he is enjoying globally today… The elites only want to use him… If he goes back, it means going back to his vomit, and it’s not a good thing for any man.”
Opposition: ‘Leave the Stage and Protect Your Legacy’
A substantial portion of respondents opposed Jonathan’s return outright.
Charles Oyibode was blunt: “Unless he wants to dent his legacy… Jonathan cannot win a presidential election again. On paper and reality, Peter Obi is much more a formidable candidate.”
James Owie Ebiarede Richard Jr. echoed this: “Never! He should move on with his positive legacy and the name he has built… For him to come back as president, what he has achieved will be forgotten.”
Naija Countryboy criticised Jonathan’s past record: “While in power, he focused on developing the North and left the South-South redundant. They used him and dumped himm, now they want him back to challenge Peter Obi’s candidacy.”
Marsel Uzorbuife said, “It is better to focus on a vibrant leader like Mr Peter Obi… than to go backwards.”
Walkinson A. Phillip predicted disaster: “Trust me, he will be a total failure if he comes again. The forces that worked for his downfall will double two times.”
Others, like MayFlower on X, dismissed elite calls for his return: “It’s not regret, it’s desperation. He needs to move on and continue living his best life.”
Troublemaker delivered a stark warning: “If we keep recycling leaders, Nigeria will soon expire before the expiry date on Indomie.”
Alternative Views: ‘Nigeria Needs a Different Kind of Leader’
Some contributors sidestepped the Jonathan question entirely to focus on leadership qualities.
Ugulapelewei Opuororo Lucky Ife-Oluwa said, “We need a good president—president like Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré, not a group of people that said they are the leaders.”
Godday Festus suggested Jonathan should be a kingmaker rather than a contestant: “The best he can do is to support any good political leader for the country’s achievements.”
Dinepre Mac Banks questioned the practical gains of a return: “Bring am back come do wetin? Which magic him go do to make things work again for Nigeria?”
The Verdict from the Street
The reactions to Jonathan’s possible 2027 bid reveal a nation still wrestling with the question of whether old leadership can bring new solutions. His supporters see a stabilising force with unfinished business; his critics see a backward step driven by elite political calculations; and others simply want a completely new face at the helm.
What is clear is that if Jonathan does enter the race, it will not be a quiet return. The debate will be fierce, the alliances complex, and the stakes, both political and personal, immense.
GbaramatuVoice will continue to follow this story as the 2027 political landscape unfolds.
By Jacob Abai
