2027: Jonathan Ignores Anglican Primate’s Entreaties, Set To Join  Presidential Race

 

 

By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa

 

From all indications, former President Goodluck Jonathan has decided to throw his hat into the ring for the 2027 race for the most exalted political seat in the country.

 

This is as the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki finalized arrangements to screen Jonathan  as its sole presidential aspirant on Tuesday.

 

Recall that on Sunday, despite the leadership crisis rocking the PDP, one of the factionalized groups announced its resolve to go ahead with the screening of aspirants for various elective positions on Tuesday by 10am.

 

The group made the announcement in a statement by its publicity secretary stressing that the move is in preparation for its forthcoming primaries.

 

 

According to the statement, about 2,122 state house of assembly, 748 house of representatives, 198 senatorial, 112 governorship and one presidential hopefuls are expected to be screened.

 

The party did not disclose the identity of the lone presidential aspirant. Ini Ememobong, spokesperson of the party, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.

 

 

However, a source within the party confirmed to TheCable that Jonathan is the sole presidential aspirant to be screened.

 

Listed among the 14-member screening committee are former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Jonah Jang, former governor of Plateau; and Tom Ikimi, former minister of foreign affairs.

 

Other members of the committee are Olabode George, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenih, Abdul Bulama, Esther Uduehi, Tony Aziegbemi, Edo PDP chairman, Sunday Solari and Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary of the committee.

 

 

The statement said the committee list was approved by the national executive committee (NEC) at its 104th meeting.

 

“This publication is in accordance with the party’s guidelines and timetable for the conduct of the 2027 general election,” the statement added.

 

Recall that there was a dramatic twist in the build-up to the forthcoming election when a mammoth crowd of loyalists under the aegis of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan converged on his residence in Abuja in a solidarity rally, urging him to run for president again in 2027.

 

The rally took place on May 7 amid growing speculations that former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, will defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

 

However, the ex-president said he would consult widely before deciding on his next move.

 

Meanwhile, Jonathan is making this move despite the passionate entreaties from the  Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba to shelve his ambition, if he has any, to contest the presidency in 2027.

 

 

Ndukuba had advised  Jonathan against returning to active partisan politics ahead warning that such a move could undermine his legacy as a statesman.

 

Ndukuba gave the advice on Saturday while delivering his address at the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja in Abuja.

 

He said Jonathan’s place in history was already secure following his role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly his concession after the 2015 presidential election.

 

“We don’t want you to spoil that good name, and please, keep off for now, let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be,” Ndukuba said.