By Musa Baba Adamu
A public affairs analyst, Mahdi Shehu, has said that a possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the 2027 presidential race may significantly alter Nigeria’s political dynamics.
Shehu made the remark in a post shared on X on Thursday while reacting to reports that Jonathan has been consulting widely following calls from different groups urging him to contest.
He observed that current political alignments in the country are increasingly driven by regional and emotional considerations, but argued that Jonathan’s possible entry into the race could weaken such bloc-based voting arrangements.
According to him, the former president still enjoys goodwill from some Nigerians, particularly those who recall his decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election.
“He will dilute bloc votes being built through sentiments,” Shehu stated.
He added that Jonathan could also appeal to voters who, in his view, were misled during the political realignments that led to his defeat in 2015.
“Those who appreciate his sacrifice in 2015 will entrust him,” he said.
Shehu further noted that Jonathan’s perceived statesmanship and peaceful exit from office may still resonate with a section of the electorate.
He concluded that if the former president eventually joins the 2027 race, he could emerge as a major factor capable of reshaping the contest.
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