Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan have reportedly begun reaching out to key opposition figures, including Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, in a bid to build a coalition strong enough to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to insiders quoted in reports, Jonathan’s loyalists are persuading Obi to step aside for the former president, as discussions intensify over the shape of the opposition ahead of the polls.
With the APC leadership already backing President Tinubu for a second term, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning its presidential ticket to the South, the 2027 race is expected to be dominated by southern politicians. Sources within the PDP revealed that northern powerbrokers in the party have been putting pressure on Jonathan to return to active politics and contest the presidency once again.
Before Jonathan’s name began to circulate as a potential candidate, many PDP leaders had already approached Peter Obi, urging him to return to the party after his 2022 defection to the Labour Party. Obi went on to become the LP’s presidential flagbearer and finished third in the 2023 election, gaining significant popularity, particularly among young voters. His rise has since made him one of the most influential opposition voices against Tinubu’s administration.
In addition to his role in the Labour Party, Obi has also been linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, a group that includes prominent political heavyweights. Among those associated with the coalition are former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition has been touted as a possible vehicle for uniting disaffected politicians across party lines to challenge the APC in 2027.
Despite repeated questions about his political alignment, Obi has avoided committing to either rejoining the PDP or formally embracing the ADC bloc. Instead, he has consistently stated that his priority is any move capable of “rescuing Nigeria from the APC.” His position leaves room for speculation about whether he might yield to pressure to step down in favor of Jonathan or any other candidate deemed strong enough to mount a credible challenge.
Reports on Sunday suggested that Jonathan’s camp had already begun exploratory talks with aspirants, including Obi, to test the waters for a possible coalition. Some accounts even speculated that Jonathan and Obi had met privately to discuss the matter. However, aides close to Obi dismissed claims of a meeting, insisting that no such encounter had taken place.
One source familiar with the developments said, “It is true that Jonathan’s people want Obi to step down for him, but Jonathan himself is yet to meet Obi. I can assure you that Obi is committed to his cause of rescuing Nigeria.” The statement reflects Obi’s continued resolve to remain a central figure in the opposition despite mounting pressure from different camps.
Other southern politicians are also said to be weighing their options ahead of 2027. Those reportedly considering a run include Rotimi Amaechi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, both of whom have maintained significant political influence within their regions. Their possible entry into the race could complicate coalition talks, especially as opposition leaders attempt to avoid splitting votes against Tinubu.
The maneuverings highlight the early intensity surrounding the 2027 presidential contest, with political camps already testing alliances and positioning potential candidates. For Jonathan, a return to the race would mark a dramatic political comeback after leaving office in 2015, when he became the first Nigerian president to lose re-election. For Obi, the decision on whether to step aside or persist could determine the strength and direction of Nigeria’s opposition movement in the years to come.
