Party leaders split over ex-president’s eligibility, as zoning to the South fuels intrigue
The political atmosphere in the South-South wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown into fresh turmoil as former President Goodluck Jonathan’s rumoured 2027 presidential ambition divides opinion among key stakeholders.
Support vs Resistance
While some PDP leaders in the region argue that Jonathan remains the South’s strongest bargaining chip, others insist his return bid could plunge the party into crisis, citing both political and legal hurdles. Party insiders reveal that consultations are ongoing, but consensus remains far from reach.
The Eligibility Question
At the heart of the controversy is Jonathan’s eligibility. Constitutional lawyers point to the 2018 amendment to Section 137 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, which bars anyone sworn in as president on two occasions from seeking re-election. Jonathan first assumed office in 2010 after President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s death and later won the 2011 election, making him a two-time oath-taker.
However, loyalists counter that Jonathan’s first swearing-in was a transitional arrangement, not a full mandate, insisting that legal grounds remain open for his 2027 ambition.
South-South Power Dynamics
The zoning of the PDP presidential ticket to the South has only intensified speculation. Some South-South leaders are lobbying strongly for Jonathan, while others see Peter Obi as the preferred face of the South’s 2027 push. Observers warn that if not carefully managed, the tussle could weaken the PDP’s stronghold in the region, traditionally a reliable base for the party.
National Implications
Beyond the South-South, Jonathan’s possible return has stirred debate nationwide. Some view him as a unifying elder statesman who could stabilise Nigeria’s fragile democracy, while critics describe the move as a backward step that undermines younger contenders and fresh political ideas.
The Road Ahead
As the PDP prepares to navigate the stormy waters leading to 2027, Jonathan’s influence looms large. Whether he eventually joins the race or not, his name has already reshaped conversations within the party and set the stage for a fierce internal battle.
FrontNaija Call to Action
👉 What’s your take? Should Jonathan contest in 2027, or should the PDP hand the ticket to a fresh face like Obi? Drop your thoughts in the comment box below.
📌 Source: Punch News
