At a ceremony in Akure, Ondo State, Pastor Olumide Obadele, Director General of the Progressive Network for Tinubu (PNT), addressed speculations that former President Goodluck Jonathan might run for the presidency again in 2027. Obadele dismissed such rumours, insisting President Bola Tinubu remains firm and that the APC is confident of winning the next general election.
Obadele dismisses claims about Jonathan’s return
Obadele spoke after inaugurating local government coordinators of the PNT across Ondo State. He stressed that the APC is not worried about a possible 2027 presidential bid by Goodluck Jonathan. According to him, constitutional and political realities make such a comeback unlikely:
“Take it from me — I am sure Jonathan will not run at the end of the day. The Constitution of Nigeria is clear about this, and there’s no point twisting it,” Obadele said.
He also warned that attempts to push Jonathan into the race might lead to “self‑embarrassment” and that any such bid “would end up being rubbished.”
Questions over party alignment and backing
Obadele raised questions about which party Jonathan would run under — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), or another. He claimed opposition parties are severely weakened, likening some to being on “life support.”
He said:
“If he runs, under which party? PDP or ADC? These opposition parties are in the ICU — they are on life support. I don’t think any party in Nigeria today can stand against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For me, 2027 is a done deal.”
Comparison with 2023 political dynamics
Reflecting on the 2023 general election, Obadele noted that the environment now is different. In 2023, Peter Obi’s campaign benefited from strong mobilisation in Igbo communities. Now, Obadele claims neither Obi nor Atiku have clear party homes or visibility strong enough months ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Obi’s case in 2023 was different because our Igbo brothers mobilized massively for him. But now, neither Obi nor Atiku knows under which party they will contest. Eight months is short for anyone to decide. As far as I’m concerned, they have technically handed it to the APC.”
Strategy ahead: tackling voter apathy and building alliances
Obadele also addressed internal party strategy. He expressed concern over low voter turnout in past elections. In Ondo State, only about 28.62% of registered voters turned out in the last election — a statistic he considers unacceptable.
The PNT aims to mobilize the remaining ~70%, especially elites who do not vote. Obadele said they are engaging individuals, community groups, and organisations to raise awareness of President Tinubu’s performance and agenda.
He also revealed that the PNT is working on bringing in other political parties through defections to strengthen APC’s base for 2027.
Support within Ondo State
At the same event, PNT State Coordinator, Otunba Kelly Agboola, praised the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji‑Ojo, for his work in supporting Tinubu’s campaign. Agboola described Tunji‑Ojo as “a God‑given and illustrious son of Ondo State”; he credits the minister’s efforts with strengthening grassroots pro‑Tinubu groups, including the APC Elders’ Movement for Tinubu 2027, which is reportedly expanding in membership and influence across the state.
Final reflections
Pastor Obadele’s remarks clearly aim to project confidence and stability within the APC ahead of the next presidential election. By dismissing rumours of Jonathan’s return, pointing to constitutional or party uncertainties, and by asserting that opposition parties are fragmented, he seeks to shape the narrative in favour of President Tinubu.
Whether those predictions will hold, or whether Jonathan or other opposition figures will mount credible bids, remains to be seen. What is apparent is that APC is pushing a message of inevitability, rooting their campaign strategy in both messaging and grassroots mobilisation.
