Jonathan's Presidential Ambition: A Web of Zoning Controversy and Constitutional Doubts

Strategic Insights -

As former President Goodluck Jonathan considers his 2027 presidential bid, his candidacy is shrouded in controversy and constitutional doubt. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with zoning disputes, with some leaders suggesting that Jonathan's ticket is zoned to the South, while others claim it's open to any aspirant. Jonathan's handlers have dismissed concerns that his eligibility for president has been compromised by Section 137(3) of the Constitution, which bars a person from running for president if they have been elected twice.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP is divided over zoning of the presidential ticket, with some leaders suggesting it's zoned to the South and others claiming it's open to any aspirant.
  • Jonathan's handlers have dismissed concerns that his eligibility for president has been compromised by Section 137(3) of the Constitution.
  • A Federal High Court judgment in 2022 held that Section 137(3) cannot be applied retrospectively to prevent Jonathan from exercising his right to contest for president.
  • Jonathan's critics and sceptics are sharpening their legal arsenal to revisit the eligibility question should he jump into the presidential race.
  • Nigerians are concerned that Jonathan's presidential bid is being fueled by power-hungry politicians out to capitalize on his popularity and influence.

Statistics:

  • 13 years: the number of years the South would have dominated the presidency by 2027 if Jonathan is elected.
  • 8 years: the number of years a president is allowed to serve under the 1999 Constitution.
  • 2 terms: the maximum number of terms a president is allowed to serve under the 1999 Constitution.
  • 2017: the year the 4th Alteration to the Constitution was enacted, introducing Section 137(3).