Fresh indications have emerged that pressure groups are intensifying efforts to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Reports suggests that associates may obtain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential nomination form on his behalf on Monday.
Sources familiar with the development said supporters of the former president are mobilising ahead of the next election cycle.
Although members of Jonathan’s inner circle insist no final decision has been taken regarding his participation in the race.
One source claimed that the former president could pick up the PDP nomination form as early as Monday.
Another associate cautioned that the growing calls for Jonathan to return to active politics do not necessarily mean an immediate declaration is imminent.
The development comes amid an ongoing legal battle over Jonathan’s eligibility to seek the presidency again.
The former president has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to dismiss a suit seeking to stop him from contesting the 2027 election.
Through his lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), Jonathan challenged the competence of the suit filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi before Justice Peter Lifu.
His legal team argued that the matter had already been settled in previous court decisions up to the Court of Appeal.
The plaintiff is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself as a presidential candidate.
He is also asking the court to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing his name for the 2027 election.
Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 11 for hearing of the objections and the substantive suit, while also directing that hearing notices be served on INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The renewed speculation follows recent remarks by Jonathan while addressing a group of young Nigerians who appealed to him to contest in 2027.
Responding to the calls, the former president described the presidential race as a serious undertaking that requires wide consultation.
Jonathan also urged Nigerian youths to remain patriotic, participate actively in elections and obtain their voter cards.
He lamented the low voter turnout recorded in Nigeria compared to several other African countries where he had monitored elections.
