Discussions are ongoing regarding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) potentially fielding former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as their candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Since his defeat in the 2015 election, Jonathan has largely distanced himself from active politics. However, the PDP is currently engaging with him to consider a return as the party’s presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming general election.

Multiple reports have also confirmed that party leaders are in discussions with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to woo him back to the PDP and possibly run alongside Jonathan.

BBC quoted sources as saying, both officially and through the efforts of some of its leaders — including governors — moves were being made to persuade them to accept the offer.

Analysts believe this move may also be intended to weaken potential alliances among other political parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Malam Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, who was part of the meeting, told BBC that the former President has shown interest in honoring the party’s request.

According to Abdullahi, the push to draft Jonathan back into the race is in response to a groundswell of public sentiment calling for his return.

He said Nigerians are beginning to acknowledge the value of Jonathan’s leadership and are now seeking his return to correct the perceived mistakes of the past.

“When he (Jonathan) was in power, people believed in his capacity and leadership style. Since he remains a member of the PDP, we believe he should contest again. Nigerians have realised that what happened in the past wasn’t entirely his fault. They are now seeking his forgiveness and hoping he will return to lead them. He is a compassionate man,” Abdullahi told the BBC.

“Since we are loyal to the Nigerian people and want to act in their best interest, we have listened to their calls and are taking steps in that direction.”

Sources revealed to the BBC that some senior PDP leaders met with Jonathan in the Gambia last week in a fresh effort to convince him to run in the 2027 presidential election against President Tinubu.

However, he said while the former President has shown interest in their proposal but has set s certain conditions for his return.

One of the conditions Jonathan raised, according to Abdullahi, was clarification on vhether he would be required to compete in party primaries or if he would be presented as a consensus candidate.

He is reportedly consulting with close allies before making a final decision.

Since the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, many Nigerians, articularly from the North, have been calling for Jonathan’s return, citing h7e hardship faced under subsequent governments.

Many view Jonathan as a more sympathetic and measured leader compared to those who followed him.

Analysts suggest the PDP’s interest in Jonathan is partly influenced by zoning considerations, as tne presidency is expected to return to the South based on political consensus.

Professor Abubakar Kari of the University of Abuja believes that if Jonathan accepts to run and is nominated without opposition- paired with a running mate from Northern Nigeria it would significantly reshape the 2027 political landscape.

If Goodluck contests, M will breathe new life into the PDP, which has been largely dormant. His candidacy could disrupt current coalition plans, particularly those who see themselves as the driving force of the opposition,” Professor Kari noted.

“His calm demeanor and his decision *O concede defeat and peacefully hand over power in 2015 have further enhanced his public image.”

He further added that another factor working in Jonathan’s favor is that he is constitutionally limited to serving only one term.

This could make his candidacy more appealing, especially to the North, with the expectation that power would return to the region after his tenure.