Political analyst Kabiru Ojo has cast serious doubts on the viability of former President Goodluck Jonathan as a preferred candidate for the Northern political bloc ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking with Daily Post, Ojo noted that while everyday Northerners might feel nostalgic about the economic stability of Jonathan’s past tenure compared to current hardships, a regional candidate would easily win their loyalty. “If there is a Northern candidate, the average Northerner will not support Jonathan coming back,” Ojo remarked, adding that the region’s elites would aggressively resist his return out of fear of political retaliation for the coalition that ousted him in 2015.

This analysis follows a recent move by the Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the PDP, which cleared Jonathan as its sole 2027 presidential candidate, granting him a special waiver. Ojo pointed out that while a Jonathan candidacy on the PDP platform could strategically split the vote and disrupt a one-party trajectory, the historical imbalance in Nigeria’s unwritten power rotation—where the South has held power for 18 years compared to the North’s 10 years since 1999—will heavily influence the debate.

Meanwhile, Jonathan’s ultimate political future hangs in the balance legally. The Federal High Court in Abuja has set May 26 for judgment on a lawsuit determining his eligibility to run, given his prior tenure following the passing of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and his subsequent 2011 victory.

Option 2: Hard-Hitting & Strategic Focus (High reader engagement)

“It’s Payback Fear” – Why Northern Elites Are Panicking Over Goodluck Jonathan’s Sole PDP 2027 Ticket

The recent endorsement of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the PDP’s sole 2027 presidential candidate by the party’s Interim National Working Committee has triggered intense regional debates, with analysts warning of a massive wall of resistance from Northern power brokers.

According to political analyst Kabiru Ojo, Northern political elites see Jonathan’s potential return as a “payback period” and fear retaliation for his 2015 defeat. Ojo stated that even though ordinary citizens facing hunger might favor Jonathan’s economic track record, the presence of any Northern candidate on the ballot would completely shift regional support away from him.

Ojo further observed that drawing Jonathan into the race could be a strategic play within the opposition to break up votes and challenge the current administration, but argued that the current regional power imbalance makes his acceptance unlikely. Ultimately, Ojo advised that the former president should preserve his legacy and abstain from running. All eyes now turn to the Federal High Court in Abuja, which will deliver a crucial judgment on May 26 regarding Jonathan’s constitutional eligibility to contest.

Option 3: Concise & Bulleted Format (Ideal for quick-read mobile bulletins)

Analyst Downplays Jonathan’s 2027 Chances in the North Ahead of Crucial Court Ruling

Political analyst Kabiru Ojo has stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan remains an unlikely choice for the Northern political bloc in 2027, despite recently being named the PDP’s sole candidate by the party’s interim committee.

Key Insights from the Analysis:

• The Elite Resistance: Northern elites are expected to oppose Jonathan due to political baggage from the 2015 elections, fearing retaliation.

• The Populist Split: While ordinary citizens miss the economic conditions of Jonathan’s era, Ojo notes they will immediately pivot to any strong Northern candidate on the ballot.

• Power Rotation Imbalance: Since 1999, the South has held the presidency for roughly 18 years compared to the North’s 10 years, fueling demands for a Northern leader.

What’s Next? > Jonathan’s ambition faces an immediate legal hurdle. A Federal High Court in Abuja is scheduled to rule on May 26 to determine if his past tenures constitutionally disqualify him from running for a fresh term in 2027.

Iconic Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji has shared fresh insights into her unexpected career path and the evolving landscape for women in the global movie industry.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The widow of a school teacher brutally murdered in Oyo State has made an emotional appeal to the government and security forces to recover her husband’s remains.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The plea follows widespread national outrage triggered by a viral video showing the horrific killing of Michael Oyedokun, a staff member at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele. The tragedy unfolded during coordinated attacks that hit Community High School, L.A. Primary School (Esiele), and Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), leaving between 46 and 48 teachers and pupils abducted. The incident has drawn fierce condemnation from civil society groups, celebrities, and citizens demanding immediate accountability.

In a separate video released on Friday, a heartbroken Mary Oyedokun appealed directly to the Federal Government in Yoruba, stating that her family needs closure and a proper final resting place for future generations to honor him. “I am begging the government to please recover the body of my husband,” she pleaded.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are actively being used to rescue the remaining hostages. Condemning the attack as barbaric, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also promised that security agencies are scaling up operations to free the captives and hunt down the perpetrators.

Option 2: Human-Interest & Narrative Focus

‘Give Us a Place to Mourn’ – Wife of Slain Oyo Teacher Cries Out for Husband’s Body After Gruesome School Raid

Mary Oyedokun, the widow of the teacher slain during the recent school invasions in Oyo State, is pleading with the government to help return her husband’s body so he can be laid to rest.

Her husband, Michael Oyedokun, was teaching at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, when attackers struck. A graphic video of his murder later surfaced online, sparking a massive wave of public anger across Nigeria. The sweeping assault also targeted L.A. Primary School and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, resulting in the mass abduction of up to 48 students and teachers.

Speaking in a tearful video message on Friday, Mary begged federal authorities for assistance in Yoruba, emphasizing how important it is for her children and future generations to have a burial site to visit.

As rescue operations intensify, Governor Seyi Makinde stated that the state is exhausting all military and strategic avenues to bring the missing victims home. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also vowed that the perpetrators of this “barbaric” act will face justice, affirming that security forces are working tirelessly to secure the release of everyone captured.

Option 3: Fast-Paced & Urgent (Ideal for Social Media / Bulletins)

Widow of Murdered Oyo Teacher Demands Return of Body as Outcry Grows Over 48 School Abductions

The wife of Michael Oyedokun, the Oyo State teacher killed in a brutal school raid, has begged the Federal Government to recover his remains for a proper burial. Oyedokun was killed during a coordinated assault on three local schools where gunmen abducted nearly 48 teachers and students.

In a poignant video address, his widow, Mary, pleaded in Yoruba: “I am begging the government to please recover the body of my husband. I want him to have a burial site for future reference.”

The attack has provoked national fury, with citizens and public figures demanding urgent security overhauls. While Governor Seyi Makinde assured the public that all measures are being deployed to free the remaining captives, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has labeled the killing barbaric, promising that security agencies will rescue the hostages and bring the attackers to book.