Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has described former President Goodluck Jonathan as an “attractive” potential candidate for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Muhammad-Baba said Jonathan had gained considerable political capital since his exit from office in 2015, especially due to his peaceful concession and subsequent international engagements.
“On the surface of it, Goodluck Jonathan is attractive. Since 2015, he’s accumulated a number of positives, he accepted defeat quietly, has lived a calm life, and enjoys international recognition,” Muhammad-Baba stated.
He also noted that Jonathan had been involved in global diplomatic efforts and was once speculated to be courted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 elections.
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While there is growing speculation that Jonathan might enter the 2027 race, potentially challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it remains unclear under which party he would run, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) being the most likely platform.
However, Muhammad-Baba cautioned that being seen as “attractive” was not enough to win an election, stating: “He needs to do a lot more to sell himself… and offer himself as a true alternative to the Goodluck Jonathan we knew.”
He concluded by emphasising the broader challenges any presidential hopeful would face in the current climate, adding that “it will take a lot more” to convince Nigerians suffering under harsh economic conditions to rally behind any candidate.
As 2027 approaches, Jonathan’s potential re-entry into the political arena continues to fuel debate across party lines and regions.
