By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
A senior member of Jonathan’s political team told Vanguard that the former president settled for the PDP after extensive consultations and strategic discussions over the best platform to pursue a return to power.
The source explained that Jonathan believes the country needs experienced leadership to tackle worsening economic hardship, poverty and insecurity across the country.
The decision has reportedly sparked competition among several support groups seeking to purchase the PDP’s N100 million presidential nomination form for the former president before the submission deadline this week.
Among the groups said to be mobilising support are the Coalition for Jonathan, Goodies Movement, The New Nigeria (TNN), Almajiri Network, Arewa for Good Governance, Northern Youth Alliance for Good Governance, Northern Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, Arewa for Better Government and North Youth Progressive Movement.
Another group known as the Goodluckan Movement, reportedly made up of Nigerians in the diaspora, is also pushing to secure the nomination form for Jonathan, insisting it represents Nigerians globally.
Sources claimed the groups have individually pledged to raise funds for the form purchase as pressure mounts on Jonathan to officially declare his ambition.
Although the former president earlier told supporters he would consult widely before taking a final decision, insiders now claim he has resolved to join the race and seek another term in office.
The leader of the Jonathan support group, Dr. Tom Ohikere, had urged him to “immediately pick a presidential nomination form of any party of your choice to contest the elections”.
Amid growing speculation over his political platform, the PDP leadership reportedly confirmed that Jonathan had already completed his online registration with the party earlier this year.
The party’s spokesman, Barrister Ini Ememobong, was quoted as dismissing rumours surrounding Jonathan’s political affiliation, noting that neither the former president nor his aides had denied links to the PDP.
It would be recalled that in 2022, a Northern almajiri group obtained a N100 million APC presidential form for Jonathan, though the former president later distanced himself from the move and the form was never submitted.
Jonathan’s latest political move also comes amid a legal challenge seeking to stop him from contesting the presidency again.
A lawyer had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that Jonathan was constitutionally barred from seeking another term after previously serving as president.
However, the former president has reportedly asked the court to dismiss the suit, insisting he remains eligible to contest the 2027 election.
The outcome of the case is expected to determine whether Jonathan can officially join the race to challenge the current administration in the next general election.