2027: Goodluck Jonathan Visits IBB in Minna

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan paid a surprise visit to ex-Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) in Minna, Niger State, sparking renewed speculation about his 2027 political ambitions.

Jonathan reportedly arrived at IBB’s uphill mansion around 4:15 pm on Wednesday and left by 5:07 pm.

The two elder statesmen held a closed-door meeting for over 45 minutes, with no details officially released.

Although Jonathan’s team remained silent, insiders claim the visit was purely political.

Sources say the meeting focused on emerging alliances and northern sentiments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

With the political scene gradually heating up, Jonathan’s recent activities have raised questions about whether he may once again seek the nation’s top seat.

Efforts to get confirmation from Jonathan’s media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, proved unsuccessful.

He neither picked calls nor responded to messages seeking clarification on the meeting’s purpose.

This is not the first time Jonathan’s name has been linked to a 2027 presidential comeback.

Despite losing re-election in 2015, constitutional experts believe he is still eligible to contest for one more term.

In 2023, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed openly acknowledged pressure from northern stakeholders urging Jonathan to run.

At a Save Africa Initiative (SAI) event, Mohammed went as far as pledging to step down his own ambition if Jonathan joined the race.

“As long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for the leadership of this country, unless he decides not to run,” Mohammed said.

Still, doubts linger. In May 2025, Jonathan’s wife and former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, poured cold water on any speculation.

She stated clearly that her husband would not challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Instead, she pledged their support for Tinubu’s re-election, citing the President and his wife Oluremi’s past support for Jonathan’s 2011 bid.

While the former president himself has remained publicly silent, Wednesday’s visit to IBB is bound to fuel speculation.

Babangida remains a powerful voice in Nigeria’s political chessboard, especially in the North.

A meeting of this natureespecially so privately held has already set political tongues wagging.

Observers now question: is Jonathan being persuaded to re-enter the fray, or was the visit a mere courtesy?

With 2027 still two years away, it appears the political groundwork has already begun.

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