A coalition pushing for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s return has said he will appear on the 2027 presidential ballot, although Jonathan has not yet formally accepted the proposal.
Dr. Tom Ohikere, convener of the Coalition for Jonathan and a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated in an interview on ARISE TV that Jonathan would soon clarify his position, possibly within one or two days.
Responding to Jonathan’s earlier comment describing the presidency as “not a computer game,” Ohikere argued that the statement was being misunderstood. He explained:
“Let me make sure that it must not be misunderstood by Nigerians. When he said it’s not a computer game, what he was trying to say was that it’s not an easy thing for somebody to just come up and say he wants to contest presidency. A lot is involved. It’s a huge process, a very comprehensive process.”
He insisted that Jonathan would eventually contest, saying:
“But all I want to say is that Goodluck Jonathan will be on the ballot,” he said.
However, when asked whether Jonathan had agreed to run, Ohikere admitted he had not yet given approval. He added:
“He never accepted. But in the fullness of time, shortly, shortly, give him the next one or two days, he will make his pronouncement,” he said.
The coalition has been actively urging Jonathan to return to the race, presenting him as a figure capable of promoting unity and national reconciliation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Jonathan is said to be consulting widely before making a final decision, while the ADC is being considered as a possible platform for his candidacy.
However, his eligibility remains uncertain, as a Federal High Court case is challenging whether he can legally contest again, given constitutional term limit provisions since he previously served as president from 2010 to 2015.
Jonathan lost the 2015 election to Muhammadu Buhari and conceded defeat before the final results were fully announced.
