The political landscape in Nigeria is currently abuzz with premature discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential elections, largely fueled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Presidency's counterarguments. At the heart of this early political maneuvering is the call by former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, for former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the upcoming election under the PDP banner. Gana, a prominent member of the PDP, made this assertion during a recent interaction with journalists, affirming his confidence in Jonathan's candidacy and the electorate's desire for his return.

Professor Gana articulated that the political climate has significantly shifted since Jonathan's previous tenure, particularly referencing Jonathan's 2015 statement that his ambition was not "worth the blood of any Nigerian." According to Gana, Nigerians have since witnessed various leadership styles, and the contrast has become increasingly evident, leading to a public demand for Jonathan's renewed leadership. Gana expressed optimism about the PDP's prospects, emphasizing its grassroots nature and historical commitment to people-oriented policies. He also dismissed rumors of internal party conflicts, stating that recent disputes were effectively resolved. Furthermore, Gana criticized the current administration, alleging an inability to attract foreign investment due to "detrimental gatekeepers" while asserting Nigeria's immense potential for financial growth.

However, the Presidency, through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, swiftly dismissed Gana's statement as an "absurdity." Onanuga derisively welcomed Jonathan and others to the 2027 race, but cautioned the former President to be wary of the PDP's "sugar-coated cheerleaders," whom he suggested would abandon him as they did in 2015. While acknowledging Jonathan's inalienable right to contest, Onanuga questioned his constitutional eligibility, stating that "the jury will determine whether Jonathan, who was sworn in twice as president, satisfies the constitutional requirements and is eligible to contest the presidency and be sworn in, if successful, for a third term in office." Beyond legal concerns, Onanuga argued that Jonathan has "nothing new to offer" after his "disastrous six years" in office, for which Nigerians voted him out in 2015.

Onanuga provided a scathing review of Jonathan's economic record, asserting that his regime, devoid of a clear economic agenda, engaged in frivolous spending, ran the economy aground, and put the country in dire straits. He claimed that the nation's economic downturn began under Jonathan, citing a severe damage to the economy and a decline in all key indicators. Specific allegations included the allocation of foreign exchange to "business moguls" for fictitious fuel imports, and the free distribution of security funds to friends and cronies by Jonathan and his National Security Adviser. Onanuga highlighted that Jonathan inherited $66 billion ($46 billion in foreign reserves, $20 billion in the Excess Crude Account) in 2010, but by 2015, foreign reserves had fallen below $30 billion and the Excess Crude Account was depleted to $2 billion, despite record crude oil sales. By December 2014, the Jonathan-led government was reportedly unable to pay federal civil servants' salaries, with at least 28 states owing workers.

In stark contrast, Onanuga lauded President Bola Tinubu's administration for taking "bold decisions" over the last 28 months to "reset the economy." These include the removal of the "ruinous fuel subsidy" and the abolition of "multiple exchange rates," which previously enabled arbitrage. Onanuga stated that Tinubu has stabilized the economy in just over two years, pointing to a 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025 (the highest in four years), a decrease in inflation to 20.12% in August 2025 (the lowest in three years), and foreign reserves standing at $42.03 billion. He further claimed the Naira has "virtually stabilised," investor confidence has been restored, and Nigeria is now attracting significant investment. Onanuga also noted improvements in road infrastructure, including new projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and ongoing efforts to address security issues.

The Presidency concluded its rebuttal by asserting that while Jonathan and others are welcome to the 2027 race, millions of Nigerians, who will not easily forget the recent past, will not allow them to return and "run it down again." The contrasting narratives from the PDP and the Presidency set the stage for intense political discourse as the nation looks towards the next electoral cycle.