Former President Goodluck Jonathan is pressing forward with his 2027 presidential bid despite the open disapproval of his wife, Patience Jonathan, who has publicly voiced her preference for peace over politics.
At an event in Abuja in May 2025, where she was honored with the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award, Mrs. Jonathan expressed her frustrations with the burdens of public office. “The distress of Nigeria is so much that if God manages to bring you out of it, you should glorify Him. Why do you want to go back there? I need peace. My peace is enough,” she said, while also pledging her support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and even promising to campaign for his re-election.
Despite her strong stance, insiders close to the former president revealed to Zoyols Blog that Jonathan has intensified his preparations to secure the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket. To avoid political interference, some of his key supporters have held strategy meetings outside the country, focusing heavily on strengthening his base within the PDP and tackling internal challenges.
One of the main hurdles identified is the growing influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. During a recent media chat, Wike advised Jonathan against contesting, urging him instead to preserve his legacy as a respected statesman. He criticized Jonathan’s promoters, accusing them of betrayal, pointing out that many of them worked against him during the 2015 election.
Jonathan’s camp reportedly views Wike’s comments as a direct threat. A source confided that strategies are being mapped out specifically to ensure Wike’s opposition does not derail the former president’s plans. Central to Jonathan’s comeback effort is the support of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is said to be coordinating moves within the PDP to secure the path for Jonathan’s candidacy.
In a significant development, Jonathan’s allies also convinced Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri to remain in the PDP, resisting pressure to defect to the APC—a move that could have weakened Jonathan’s support in his South-South stronghold.
When asked about how Jonathan intends to handle his wife’s outspoken opposition, one confidant dismissed it, recalling past instances where her disapproval did not affect his political trajectory. “When he was governor of Bayelsa and selected as running mate to the late President Musa Yar’Adua, Patience was firmly against it. She wanted him to remain governor. But did that stop him from becoming Vice President?” the source said.
Jonathan’s camp has also moved to silence questions about his eligibility to run again. They point to a court ruling affirming that he still has the constitutional right to contest, despite having been sworn in twice as president, effectively ending the debate around his legal standing.
As 2027 draws closer, it is becoming clear that Goodluck Jonathan is determined to test the waters again, with his camp working tirelessly to overcome opposition from within and outside his party.
