A political support group backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Progressive Network for Tinubu (PNT), has cautioned former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan against returning to the presidential race in 2027, warning that such a move could result in “embarrassment” and damage his image as a respected statesman.
The group’s warning followed renewed online speculation suggesting that Jonathan might be considering a political comeback under a yet-to-be-announced party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Okay News reports that the speculation gained traction after a legal practitioner, Mr. Johnmary Jideobi, filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Pro-Tinubu Group Declares 2027 Race “A Done Deal”
Speaking at the inauguration of local government structures across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State on Tuesday, the Director-General of the Progressive Network for Tinubu, Mr. Olumide Obadele, said there was no credible threat to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He stated that opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Labour Party (LP), were “on life support” and lacked the structure and strength to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, Jonathan should respect his status as an elder statesman and stay clear of another presidential race.
Obadele said, “I can tell you that Jonathan will not run at the end of the day. The Constitution is clear about it, and there’s no need to twist it. If he insists, he will only end up embarrassed and rubbished.”
He added that President Tinubu’s growing influence and the apparent disorganization within the opposition camps make the 2027 presidential contest “a done deal.”
“Political parties such as the PDP, Labour Party, and ADC are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and lack the organization and national appeal needed to challenge the ruling APC. I do not think any opposition party in Nigeria today can say it wants to run against Asiwaju. For me, 2027 is already sealed,” he said.
Mobilisation Across Grassroots to Strengthen Tinubu’s Support
Mr. Obadele also revealed that the group was focusing on strengthening grassroots participation, particularly in Ondo State, where only 28 percent of registered voters participated in the 2023 general elections.
He lamented the rising voter apathy among Nigeria’s elites, who, according to him, prefer engaging in politics online rather than at the ballot box.
“Our goal is to awaken the remaining 70 percent of voters who stayed home during the last polls. We’re engaging communities, civil groups, and youth organizations to enlighten them about Asiwaju’s leadership and achievements. We want Yoruba land to stand solidly behind him,” Obadele stated.
He emphasized that the Progressive Network for Tinubu had launched civic engagement programs aimed at rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral system and showcasing Tinubu’s achievements since assuming office.
Civil Society Groups Condemn Lawsuit Against Jonathan
Meanwhile, in Delta State, a coalition of civil society organizations has criticized the lawsuit seeking to prevent Jonathan from contesting, describing it as politically driven and an abuse of judicial process.
The Director-General of the Young Nigerian Rights Organisation, Mr. Victor Ojei, called for the immediate dismissal of the suit, saying it represents “a politically motivated distraction and a gross abuse of judicial process.”
In a statement issued in Asaba, Ojei expressed worry about “the growing trend of weaponizing the courts for political persecution,” stressing that democracy thrives on inclusion, not exclusion.
“The suit, which seeks to bar Dr. Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, is not only legally baseless but also morally wrong and contrary to the spirit of democracy,” Ojei said.
He explained that Jonathan’s assumption of office in 2010 followed the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua — a constitutional transition rather than an elected tenure. Therefore, Ojei argued, that period should not count as a full presidential term under the Nigerian Constitution.
“The framers of our Constitution did not intend for such a lawful succession to be counted as an ‘elected term.’ Any argument to the contrary is a distortion of both fact and law,” he added.
Ojei further maintained that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi (legal standing) to institute the suit, noting that he neither represents any state institution nor has suffered any personal injury to warrant legal intervention.
“The individual who filed the suit neither represents any institution of state nor has suffered any direct injury that warrants judicial intervention. It is a speculative petition driven by political interests rather than constitutional principles,” Ojei said.
Call for Judicial Integrity
The civil society leader emphasized the importance of protecting Nigeria’s democracy from judicial misuse.
“To attempt to silence a citizen’s political right before he has even declared interest in the race is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy,” he said.
He urged the judiciary to maintain its independence and avoid being used for political manipulation, stressing that “the courts remain the last hope of the common man, not a playground for political adventurers.”
The group, therefore, called on the Federal High Court to dismiss the case without hesitation, reaffirming that every Nigerian citizen should enjoy the constitutional right to participate in politics without fear or intimidation.
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the political scene is already heating up with speculations, legal tussles, and party realignments. While pro-Tinubu forces insist that the next election is already in the bag, others argue that silencing potential aspirants like Jonathan could harm the democratic fabric of the country.
Whether Jonathan will heed the warnings or test the constitutional limits remains to be seen, but the conversation has reignited debates on leadership, legality, and the legacy of Nigeria’s former presidents.
