In recent weeks, social media platforms have been flooded with posts and blog articles claiming that former President Goodluck Jonathan has officially announced his bid for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. The claim, which has also been submitted to CDD via the Meedan app by one of our Soldiers of Mouth, generated significant attention across X (Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp groups.
Claim: Former President Goodluck Jonathan declared his intention to run for the 2027 presidential election.
Verification
A report published by Vanguard Newspaper quoted unnamed sources alleging that Jonathan had “resolved to run” after meeting with some party leaders and northern governors who reportedly endorsed his ambition. The paper also cited the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, who claimed the former president had laid down certain conditions under which he would consider accepting the party’s nomination.
Similarly, former Minister Jerry Gana was quoted in the media as saying he could “confirm” that Jonathan would contest the 2027 elections on the PDP platform. In addition, several PDP figures have openly called for the former president’s return, fuelling speculations about his possible candidacy.
Family and Party Reactions
Contrary to these reports, Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, has publicly dismissed the idea of returning to Aso Rock. She emphasised that her husband had already served at every level of government, from local government chairman to president, and that she maintains a cordial relationship with the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom she pledged to continue supporting.
The PDP has also not issued any official statement confirming Jonathan’s candidacy or indicating that he has accepted to run.
APC’s Position and Presidency’s Response
Reacting to the speculations, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said Jonathan is free to run if he chooses, but would “face both the courts and the people.” Onanuga referenced constitutional questions about Jonathan’s eligibility, given that he has been sworn in twice, and also criticized his past administration’s handling of the economy and public funds.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), through several spokespersons, has further warned that a Jonathan comeback could ignite legal and political controversy, emphasising that Nigerians “will not forget his failures.”
Jonathan’s Official Reaction
In response to the viral posts, Jonathan’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, categorically denied that the former president made any such declaration. He clarified that Jonathan does not own an Instagram account, debunking the viral post that allegedly carried the announcement.
As of the time of this report, the CDD War Room found no verified public statement, campaign activity, or official registration indicating that the former president has declared an intention to contest the 2027 election.
Verdict: FALSE
The claim that former President Goodluck Jonathan has officially declared his intention to run for the 2027 presidential election is FALSE. While some PDP members and political figures have urged him to contest, and media outlets have published speculative reports, Jonathan himself has not issued any statement or taken any action confirming his candidacy.