2027: Jonathan 100% Qualified, Ex-President’s Cousin Tells Keyamo, Odinkalu

Punchngs July 29, 2025

2027: Jonathan 100% Qualified, Ex-President’s Cousin Tells Keyamo, Odinkalu

Nigeria News
02.09.2025
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The political atmosphere in Nigeria is heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections, as debates around
the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan continue to dominate national discourse.
In a sharp rebuttal to the warnings issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,
Festus Keyamo, and human rights activist Chidi Odinkalu, a cousin of the former president
has insisted that Jonathan is “100% qualified” to contest the 2027 presidential elections.

Keyamo had earlier argued that fielding Jonathan could plunge the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
into a constitutional crisis, citing Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to him, anyone who has been sworn in twice as president may be barred from seeking another term.
He warned that if Jonathan were presented as a candidate, the PDP risked the danger of being disqualified by the courts,
a scenario that could leave the party without a standard bearer in 2027.However, Jonathan’s family and loyalists have dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the
Supreme Court ruling of 2015 had already clarified his eligibility when he sought re-election at the time.
They argue that subsequent constitutional amendments cannot retroactively nullify his rights.

In a strongly worded statement, Jonathan’s cousin stated:
Goodluck Jonathan remains fully eligible under the law. The attempts to twist the constitution against him are politically motivated.
No amendment has expressly disqualified him. As far as 2027 is concerned, he is 100% qualified to run.He further accused political actors of deliberately creating confusion in order to weaken Jonathan’s influence within the PDP and the larger national stage.
According to him, the former president still commands respect across different regions, particularly in the South-South and South-East.

Renowned human rights lawyer and public commentator Chidi Odinkalu has been vocal on the issue as well,
warning that the PDP must avoid walking into what he described as a legal and political “landmine.”
Odinkalu insists that the interpretation of Section 137(3) could be tested in court if Jonathan’s name appears on the ballot.
He believes that the ruling APC might use legal technicalities to knock Jonathan out of the race.

But Jonathan’s loyalists, including his cousin, have countered this by stressing that only the Supreme Court can settle such disputes.
They maintain that speculation on social media or political commentary cannot override constitutional rights.

The crux of the debate lies in the interpretation of the Nigerian Constitution.
Section 137(3) was inserted after Jonathan had already served as president between 2010 and 2015.
Legal experts remain divided on whether the amendment applies retroactively.
Supporters of Jonathan argue that laws should not have retroactive effect unless explicitly stated.On the other hand, critics argue that Jonathan has already enjoyed two swearing-in ceremonies —
first when he completed the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and then when he won in 2011.
This, they say, could disqualify him from seeking another four-year mandate.

The PDP finds itself at a crossroads. While some stakeholders believe Jonathan’s experience and stature
could unify the opposition and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),
others fear that nominating him could backfire both legally and politically.Political analysts suggest that Jonathan’s candidacy could polarize voters.
His past record of economic reforms and peaceful democratic handover in 2015 remain strong points in his favor.
However, issues of corruption scandals during his administration may resurface and be weaponized by his opponents.

Observers have noted that Keyamo’s warning is not merely legal advice but also a strategic political move.
By raising doubts about Jonathan’s eligibility, the APC may be attempting to weaken the PDP’s confidence and destabilize its strategy ahead of 2027.
Some see this as an early move in what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.

On the streets of Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, and Enugu, many citizens interviewed by journalists expressed mixed feelings.
While some believe Jonathan’s return could stabilize Nigeria’s fragile unity, others think the country needs fresh leadership and generational change.

With two years to the elections, the question of Jonathan’s eligibility is likely to remain a hot topic.
PDP stakeholders will need to weigh the risks and benefits of presenting him as a candidate.
Should the party ignore Keyamo and Odinkalu’s warnings, it risks legal battles that could derail its campaign.
On the other hand, leaving Jonathan out could deprive the PDP of a candidate with national recognition and a legacy of democratic tolerance.Ultimately, the final decision may rest with the courts if Jonathan decides to run and the matter is challenged.
Until then, his cousin and family members are standing firm, insisting that he is constitutionally free to pursue another shot at the presidency.

For online readers following the 2027 Nigerian presidential elections, this debate highlights the intersection of law, politics, and public opinion.
Searches related to “Jonathan 2027 eligibility”, “Festus Keyamo Jonathan warning”,
and “PDP presidential candidate 2027” are expected to trend as the election season draws closer.
The narrative reinforces how constitutional interpretation can play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic process.Moreover, the situation underscores the importance of early strategy within political parties.
As the APC and PDP continue to strategize, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora will remain keenly interested in how this legal and political battle unfolds.