Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly in high-level discussions with former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as part of a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Vanguard, reliable sources confirmed that emissaries from Jonathan’s camp have already sat down with Kwankwaso’s team, exploring the possibility of an alliance.
According to insiders, the negotiations are still in the early stages but both camps have tabled what were described as “manageable demands.”
One of the sticking points, however, is Kwankwaso’s insistence on securing the vice-presidential slot in any joint ticket.
While Jonathan’s allies have not dismissed the proposal outright, they are said to be weighing the political implications carefully.
“Jonathan’s camp is open to working with Kwankwaso, but the talks are still fluid. The demand for the vice-presidency is a major issue on the table,” a source close to the discussions disclosed.
Beyond the talks with Kwankwaso, Jonathan’s strategists are also exploring alternative options.
A key consideration, according to insiders, is selecting a younger northern governor who could appeal to the region’s large youth population, which is expected to play a decisive role in 2027.
The bigger challenge for Jonathan, however, is not just about picking a running mate, it is about finding the right political platform.
Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) remain possible vehicles for his comeback, but internal divisions in the two parties complicate his path.
In the PDP, some stakeholders remain strongly supportive of Jonathan’s return, but the faction loyal to former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, who now works closely with the APC, continues to resist his comeback bid.
The ADC, on the other hand, appears more welcoming. Party insiders say Jonathan commands significant loyalty among its influential figures, especially since the David Mark-led leadership was recognised by INEC.
However, Atiku Abubakar’s interest in the ADC ticket poses a potential stumbling block.
“Jonathan is torn between sentiment and strategy,” one of his allies told our correspondent.
“The PDP has always been his political home, but Wike’s control over its structures makes it difficult. Meanwhile, the ADC looks like a ready platform, but Atiku’s shadow still looms.”
Another source added that the ADC is currently dominated by politicians loyal to Jonathan, making it a natural fallback plan.
Yet, Jonathan’s emotional attachment to the PDP, despite its internal turbulence, continues to tilt him towards his old party.
“The truth is, Jonathan’s strongest instinct is to return to the PDP,” the ally explained.
“Most of those who abandoned the party in recent years did so because of Wike’s influence, not because they lost faith in Jonathan. That gives him hope that he can still rally the base.”
With less than two years to the primaries, the political calculations around Jonathan’s possible comeback and his alliance talks with Kwankwaso are expected to shape the unfolding power struggle leading into the 2027 general elections.