Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the potential entry of former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race, stating that every eligible aspirant should be free to contest under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Atiku made the remarks in response to recent reports suggesting that Jonathan may consider running for president again.
According to the former vice president, a competitive primary involving multiple aspirants will strengthen internal democracy within the party.
“If Jonathan, Atiku, Obi, and others wish to contest, they should be allowed to. Let the best candidate emerge,” Atiku said, echoing recent comments by PDP chieftain Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.
While neither Atiku nor Jonathan has officially declared an intention to run, their names continue to feature prominently in early projections for the 2027 general elections.
The presidency has also reacted to the growing speculation surrounding Jonathan’s possible return. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, stated that Jonathan is free to contest if he chooses to, but noted that his record while in office would be scrutinized.
The possibility of Jonathan running again has reignited debate over his eligibility.
Some legal experts and political analysts have cited constitutional concerns under Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution, which bars anyone from being sworn in as president more than twice. Jonathan, who completed the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and won a full term in 2011, has faced questions over whether he can legally contest again.
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However, allies of the former president have defended his eligibility, arguing that legal interpretations of his case differ and should be tested in court if challenged.
The PDP has yet to issue an official position on zoning or the number of aspirants expected to vie for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
