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PoliticsNigeria

Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP's Nigeria 2027 election gamble

June 12, 2026

Fresh cracks have emerged in Nigeria's PDP party as a faction nominated former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole 2027 presidential aspirant. Abdullahi Ibrahim, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, joins DW Under The Baobab to examine if Jonathan has what it takes to tackle Nigeria's pressing challenges.

https://p.dw.com/p/5FG5g

The legacy of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is mixed but significant. As president (2010–2015), he advanced electoral reforms and set a historic precedent by conceding defeat in 2015, strengthening Nigeria's democracy. He also pursued economic and agricultural reforms that boosted growth. However, his tenure was weakened by criticism over corruption, economic fragility, and an ineffective response to insecurity, especially Boko Haram. He was president when the Chibok girls' kidnapping took place.

A PDP faction nominated him for the 2027 election after a court cleared him to run, though he has not confirmed any candidacy and allies deny he is interested. Overall, Jonathan is remembered both as a democratic reformer and as a leader whose administration struggled with key governance challenges, and his possible political return remains uncertain.

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Under the Baobab hosts Mimi Mefo Newuh and George Okachi, standing in front of an illustration of a baobab tree seen in a dark blue silhouette against a pink/orange gradient sky

Under the Baobab

Under the Baobab is DW's weekly vodcast where Africa's biggest issues meet real talk, sharp minds and bold solutions. Hosts Mimi Mefo Newuh and George Okachi are joined by experts and everyday change-makers from Africa.