A senior member of Jonathan’s team told Vanguard on Sunday that the choice of the PDP came after extensive internal consultations on where he would stand a stronger chance in the 2027 elections.

The source added that Jonathan’s possible comeback is being driven by supporters who believe he can offer credible leadership amid worsening economic hardship and poverty in the country.

The development has already triggered widespread mobilisation among various support groups reportedly raising funds to purchase the PDP presidential nomination form on his behalf. The party has fixed the form at ₦100 million, with a submission deadline set for Tuesday.

A diaspora-based group, the Goodluckan Movement, is said to be among those leading efforts, insisting it represents Nigerians globally and should take the lead in securing the form.

Other groups reportedly involved include the Coalition for Jonathan, Goodies Movement, The New Nigeria, Almajiri Network, Arewa for Good Governance, Northern Youth Alliance for Good Governance, Northern Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, Arewa for Better Government, and the North Youth Progressive Movement.

According to sources, each group has pledged to contribute toward raising the ₦100 million required for the nomination form.

Jonathan’s Position

Although Jonathan has previously said he would consult widely before making any final decision, insiders claim he has already resolved to enter the race.

His supporters are said to be encouraging him to return to office to address economic challenges and improve national welfare.

One of his backers, Dr. Tom Ohikere, publicly urged him to “immediately pick a presidential nomination form of any party of your choice to contest the elections.”

Meanwhile, the factional PDP leadership led by the Turaki group stated that Jonathan is eligible to fly the party’s flag, noting that he had previously completed his online registration with the party.

PDP spokesman Ini Ememobong also dismissed doubts about Jonathan’s membership status, saying neither his team nor close associates had denied it.

Jonathan’s past political history has also resurfaced, including a 2022 incident where a northern group purchased an APC presidential form for him, which he later disowned.

This time, however, his recent legal action at the Federal High Court in Abuja—seeking to dismiss a suit challenging his eligibility on constitutional grounds—is being interpreted by some observers as a sign of serious intent.

The court is expected to rule on whether the former president is legally barred or eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Osimhen picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign during the match, which automatically rules him out of next weekend’s Istanbul derby at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium.

Despite the setback, he played a key role in securing the title, scoring twice as Galatasaray clinched their fourth consecutive Turkish Süper Lig championship. The striker has now won two league titles with the club since joining.

Head coach Okan Buruk will now look to finish the season on a winning note without his star forward.

In a post-match Instagram livestream, Osimhen paid emotional tribute to former Galatasaray captain Fernando Muslera and ex-midfielder Felipe Melo.

He said, “Felipe Melo, great legend, greetings to you! Muslera, great legend, greetings to you! Even when Muslera is away from us, he motivates us. He is wholeheartedly devoted to Galatasaray. We miss you. We hope you return one day. We always need you. I feel like a little child when I’m with you. You have taken such good care of me. Galatasaray legends are truly great.”

Osimhen also issued a confident message to rival clubs after the title win, with Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor finishing second and third.

“Keep talking. We’ll be back here next season. We’re coming again. Istanbul is ours. We’ll handle it. You can’t stop us,” he said, adding that no opposition can prevent Galatasaray’s dominance.

According to the associate, there is currently no confirmed decision regarding Jonathan’s political future, stressing that discussions remain ongoing and inconclusive.

He said, “What’s happening is that various groups are pushing for him, but it’s unclear whether anything will happen tomorrow or not.”

However, another source claimed Jonathan may obtain the PDP nomination form as early as Monday, though this remains unverified.

The speculation comes as Jonathan has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to dismiss a suit seeking to bar him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Through his counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, Jonathan challenged the suit filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, describing it as incompetent and legally flawed.

His legal team stated that they only became aware of the case through media reports and promptly filed a conditional appearance, a preliminary objection, a counter-affidavit, and a written address on May 5, 2026, requesting that the case be struck out.

They argued that the matter had already been settled in previous judicial rulings up to the Court of Appeal.

Court Proceedings

At the hearing, plaintiff’s counsel Ndubuisi Ukpai informed the court that although the case was scheduled for mention, he had just been served with Jonathan’s court processes and needed time to respond.

Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the case until May 11 for hearing of the preliminary objection and the substantive suit.

The court also ordered that hearing notices be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who are listed as defendants but were absent.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the plaintiff is seeking a perpetual injunction stopping Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for the 2027 presidential race, and also restraining INEC from accepting or publishing his name as a candidate.

Jonathan’s Position

Amid the political tension, Jonathan recently reacted to calls from young Nigerians urging him to return to the presidential race.

He described the presidency as a serious responsibility, not something to be treated casually.

“The presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. But the most important thing is that in Nigeria, the young people will have hope,” he said.

Jonathan also urged youths to be patriotic, actively participate in elections, and obtain their voter cards, stressing that low voter turnout remains a major challenge in Nigeria compared to other countries.