By Our Correspondent

National News – Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emerged as the sole presidential aspirant cleared by the interim factional leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general election, sparking fresh political debate across Nigeria.

The development followed a screening exercise conducted in Abuja on Tuesday by the Tanimu Turaki-led interim National Working Committee.

The PDP screening committee, chaired by former Vice President Namadi Sambo and represented by former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, granted Jonathan a waiver from screening due to his political experience as deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president.

According to the committee, there was no need for further assessment before clearing him for the presidential contest.

The clearance has intensified discussions over Jonathan’s possible political comeback nearly 12 years after leaving office in 2015.

Former presidential aide Umar Sani claimed the ex-president had already obtained and was preparing to submit his nomination forms publicly, despite Jonathan not officially declaring his ambition.

Reacting to the development, the African Democratic Congress described Jonathan’s return as a potential “political earthquake” capable of reshaping alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party stated that his popularity, national appeal, and past record of conceding defeat peacefully could disrupt calculations within both the ruling APC and opposition camps.

The PDP faction also screened governorship aspirants from several states, including Kebbi, Delta, Taraba, Kano, Adamawa, Yobe, and Akwa Ibom.

Meanwhile, the party continues to battle an internal leadership crisis following a Supreme Court judgment that nullified its Ibadan national convention held in November 2025.

Political analysts believe Jonathan’s re-emergence may significantly influence Nigeria’s political landscape as parties prepare for what could become one of the country’s most competitive elections since 1999.