By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, has said former President Goodluck Jonathan has grown increasingly attractive as a potential presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Muhammad-Baba noted that Jonathan has built a positive public image over the years, particularly since leaving office in 2015, and may now be considered a serious contender.
His remarks come amid growing speculation that the former president may join the race to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Though Jonathan has yet to declare his intentions, political observers continue to debate whether he might contest on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or another party.
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“On the surface, Goodluck Jonathan is attractive,” Muhammad-Baba said. “Since 2015, he has accumulated a number of positives. He conceded defeat peacefully, has maintained a low profile, and gained international recognition. He’s been sent on international missions, and some of the baggage he carried into 2015 has faded.”
He added that Jonathan’s perceived shortcomings during his presidency were likely amplified by political opponents and that time has reshaped public perception of his tenure.
“Let’s not forget there was speculation in the build-up to the 2023 election that the APC was courting Jonathan to return to contest. He never came out clearly to reject or accept it,” he said.
However, Muhammad-Baba stressed that Jonathan or any candidate would need to present a clear vision to gain voter confidence amid the country’s current economic challenges.
“Anybody can be a candidate,” he said. “But with the difficulties Nigerians are facing today, it will take more than name recognition for any politician, whether from the North, South, or elsewhere, to convince the electorate that they offer something different.”
He also urged politicians to move beyond speculation and clearly articulate their plans to address the country’s pressing issues.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
