News
Northern Leaders, Move to Draft Jonathan into 2027 Presidential Race
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A group of northern political leaders have begun working to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race, sources close to the matter have revealed.
The move is seen as a strategic attempt to capitalize on the growing discontent with the current administration, particularly in the northern region.
Professor Khalifa Dikwa, Dean of the Borno Elders Forum, expressed the northern elite’s discontent with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership during a national television appearance. He said the northern region of the country was unhappy with Tinubu because of his “misfit and weak appointees” as well as his “anti-people policies”.
The political analyst said the northern elite were “not happy because each of these policies affects the north entirely”.He said: “Most of the appointees are either misfits or weak or to the wrong places,” adding that the appointments by the Tinubu administration were “lopsided”. Dikwa added that even “the southern elite should be annoyed because Nigeria is more than Lagos”, describing it as “provocative”.
According to sources, the plan is already in motion, with some prominent northern politicians, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, making public statements in support of Jonathan’s potential candidacy.
Mohammed recently stated that he would not contest the presidency if Jonathan decides to run, fueling speculation about a possible Jonathan candidacy.
He said: “With regards to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition. I know there are good leaders within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), especially my boss Goodluck Jonathan.
“I have always said that as long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for leadership of this country, unless he decides not to run. If we can persuade him to come forward, I will support him with my blood. Out of modesty, he is still not ready. I hope you will meet him and encourage him to run.“He will do a better job because he has the experience. We know the prices of things; we know the level of inflation. His leadership recruitment was exemplary. We need leaders like him – young people with energy, foresight, and drive,” Mohammed argued.
The northern elites are reportedly drawn to Jonathan’s experience and inclusive leadership style, which they believe would address the region’s pressing issues, such as the Almajiri system and youth unemployment. They also see Jonathan as a safe bet, given his past record of addressing northern concerns.
“And because of the aftermath of the last national protest, they believe that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost ground across the North. So, that’s the problem,” the source added.
However, Jonathan’s confidants have downplayed the reports of his interests in the 2027 presidency, describing them as premature and emphasizing the former president’s focus on his international assignments and humanitarian work.
This talk about running or not running is way too early in the scheme of things. The former President is focusing on his international assignments and humanitarian works rather than concern himself with potential run for President in 2027,” a confidant said.
By May 2027, President Tinubu’s first term will end, setting the stage for a potential power shift. If Jonathan decides to run, the South would have completed its eight-year tenure by 2031, aligning with the country’s unofficial tradition of rotating the presidency between regions.
It can be recalled that Jonathan previously served as president from 2010 to 2015, taking over after Umar Yar’Adua’s passing and later conceding to Buhari in the 2015 elections.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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