The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) risks not having a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election if it chooses former President Goodluck Jonathan as its flagbearer, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned.
Keyamo made the statement on Sunday through his social media handle on X (formerly Twitter), cautioning the PDP over the legal challenges that could arise from Jonathan’s candidacy. According to the minister, the decision to field Jonathan carries a major constitutional risk that could leave the party without a candidate.
Goodluck Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015. He assumed office after the death of former President Musa Yar’Adua and completed Yar’Adua’s term before winning one full term in his own right. Jonathan lost his re-election bid to the late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
There have been growing calls within some PDP circles for Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. Supporters believe his experience and influence could help the party regain power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, Keyamo argues that Jonathan’s eligibility to run for president again is questionable under the Nigerian Constitution. He specifically referred to Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which limits a president to two terms in office.
“One of the attractive targets as a presidential candidate is ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, because of his purported eligibility to run for only one term,” Keyamo said.
He warned that if Jonathan is fielded and later disqualified by the courts after the nomination process has closed, the PDP would risk having no valid candidate at all.
“If he is barred from running after nominations have closed and the PDP is declared as having no candidate, nobody should scream ‘judiciary is corrupt’ because such a large party saw the judicial danger ahead and deliberately ignored it,” the minister added.
Keyamo highlighted that arguments over Jonathan’s eligibility should not be settled on social media but by the Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority in Nigeria. The constitutional question hinges on whether Jonathan’s partial term as president, following Yar’Adua’s death, counts as one full term or not.
The issue of former presidents running again after serving partial terms is not new in Nigerian politics. It has been debated before but remains unresolved legally until tested in court.
The minister’s statement comes amid increasing speculation about the PDP’s candidate choice ahead of the 2027 election. The party is yet to announce its flagbearer, and several prominent figures, including Atiku Abubakar and others, are expected to contest the nomination.
If the PDP decides to go with Jonathan despite the warning, it risks potential legal battles that could affect its chances in the 2027 election. In Nigeria’s history, the courts have played a significant role in deciding electoral disputes, sometimes overturning candidates’ nominations.
The PDP dominated Nigerian politics for 16 years from 1999 to 2015 but has since lost the presidency. The party is eager to reclaim power, but Keyamo’s warning suggests it must avoid mistakes that could derail its plans.
As Nigerians await the official declaration of candidates, the debate around Jonathan’s potential run highlights the complex legal and political challenges of the 2027 election.
The APC and other political parties are closely watching the developments within the PDP, knowing that internal divisions or legal troubles could impact the overall election outcome.
