Jonathan will be on 2027 ballot, says coalition convener

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan will appear on the 2027 presidential ballot, a coalition pushing for his return to power has declared. However, Jonathan himself is yet to formally accept the proposal.

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The Convener of the Coalition for Jonathan and a member of the African Democratic Congress, Dr Tom Ohikere, made the disclosure in an interview with ARISE TV, saying the former president would make his position known within one to two days.

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He was responding to questions about Jonathan’s comment that seeking the presidency was “not a computer game,” which Ohikere said had been misread by some observers.

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“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.

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“But all I want to say is that Goodluck Jonathan will be on the ballot,” he said.

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When pressed on whether Jonathan had accepted the coalition’s proposal, Ohikere acknowledged he had not.

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“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.

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The coalition has been actively pressing Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, framing his potential candidacy as a vehicle for national healing and unity.

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During recent visits, Jonathan reportedly indicated he would consult widely before arriving at a decision.

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The ADC has positioned itself as the platform for Jonathan’s potential run, as opposition forces continue to regroup ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Jonathan’s eligibility to contest, however, remains the subject of legal dispute.

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A Federal High Court suit is challenging whether his return to the ballot would violate term limit provisions of the 1999 Constitution, given that he served as president from 2010 to 2015.

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Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election to President Muhammadu Buhari and conceded defeat before results were fully announced.

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