Public Affairs Analyst Dayo Akintobi has dismissed growing speculation about a possible return to presidential politics by former Nigerian leader Goodluck Jonathan, insisting that the ex-president will not contest the 2027 presidential election.
Akintobi made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, on Friday, 5 June, 2026, while reacting to reports of efforts by a group within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly led by former Minister Tanimu Turaki, to persuade Jonathan to seek the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the next general election.
The analyst said there was little basis for the widespread speculation linking the former president to the race, arguing that Jonathan has shown no indication that he intends to return to active partisan politics.
“President Goodluck Jonathan is not running. Take it from me Nigerians, he is not running in the presidential election of 2027,” Akintobi said during the programme.
His comments come as political discussions surrounding the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum, with several names being mentioned as potential contenders for the presidency. Jonathan’s name has repeatedly surfaced in political circles due to his experience in office and his continued influence within the PDP and the broader political landscape.
The former president served as Nigeria’s leader from 2010 to 2015 and remains one of the country’s most recognisable political figures. In recent years, he has largely focused on diplomatic engagements, election observation missions, and peace-building initiatives across Africa.
Watch the video from stamp time 27:18 to 27:27
