A prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Ben Izuegbunam, has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to rethink his potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election. The Onitsha-based legal practitioner warned that Jonathan would face significant obstacles and likely lose if he entered the race.
Pressure Mounts on Jonathan to Contest
A coalition of northern political groups, youth organisations, and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been mounting pressure on Jonathan to run. Several support groups have already launched campaigns and consultations in his favour. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed stated he would step aside if Jonathan decides to contest. Supporters argue that Jonathan's eligibility for only one term makes him an attractive candidate for northern power rotation interests ahead of 2031.
Jonathan, who has not made a formal declaration, has publicly stated that he is 'consulting widely.' However, in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng in Onitsha, Izuegbunam said that while Jonathan may have the right to run, victory is far from certain.
Regional Support Shifts Against Jonathan
Izuegbunam noted that Jonathan's traditional support base in the South-East is now aligned with Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate. 'Jonathan knows that, as he wants to contest for president in 2027, his support base, which is the South East, will be swept by Peter Obi, despite all the noise from other politicians,' he said.
Furthermore, the SAN pointed out that Jonathan's popularity in the South-South has waned. 'Jonathan is no longer popular in the South South, which is his own area, because his people have embraced other political parties,' Izuegbunam added.
Home State Challenges
In Bayelsa, Jonathan's home state, his brother Senator Henry Seriake Dickson leads the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The NDC is expected to perform well in Bayelsa, Rivers, and other South-South states. 'Even if the court clears him to run in 2027, I tell you, Jonathan will not throw his hat into the ring,' Izuegbunam predicted.
Court Case on Jonathan's Eligibility
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned a suit seeking to stop Jonathan from contesting the 2027 election after key parties failed to appear. The suit, filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation, argues that Jonathan's eligibility would breach constitutional limits on presidential terms.
As the 2027 election approaches, political analysts continue to debate the implications of a Jonathan candidacy, with many echoing Izuegbunam's concerns about shifting alliances and internal party dynamics.
