Speculation about former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential candidacy in the 2023 presidential election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a new turn, with emerging signs suggesting he may not pursue the race. Despite earlier reports of a nomination form purchased on his behalf, sources indicate that Jonathan’s participation remains uncertain as the deadline for submission looms.
Doubts Over Nomination Form Submission
On Friday, a credible source close to the former president revealed to Vanguard that the N100 million nomination and expression of interest form, acquired earlier this week by members of the Fulani community, has not yet been completed or submitted. With the deadline for submission approaching, this development casts significant doubt on Jonathan’s involvement in the APC’s presidential primaries. “The form’s status is unclear, and we cannot confirm if Dr. Jonathan is even interested in running under the APC,” the source stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the former president’s intentions.
The purchase of the nomination form by the Fulani community had sparked widespread discussion, with many interpreting it as a strong signal of Jonathan’s potential return to the political stage. However, the lack of progress in completing the form suggests that the move may have been speculative or premature.
Jonathan’s Deliberative Approach
According to the source, former President Jonathan is carefully weighing multiple factors before deciding on a presidential run. “He is considering many things,” the source noted, emphasizing that Jonathan has not publicly confirmed his interest in contesting the 2023 election. This cautious approach aligns with Jonathan’s reputation for measured decision-making, particularly given the complexities of switching from his long-standing affiliation with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a rival political platform.
The possibility of Jonathan running on an APC ticket has been a subject of intense debate, with some viewing it as a strategic move to unify diverse regions of Nigeria. However, the absence of a clear commitment from Jonathan himself has left political observers questioning the viability of such a candidacy.
Implications for the APC Primaries
The uncertainty surrounding Jonathan’s participation adds another layer of intrigue to the APC’s presidential primaries. As the deadline for form submission nears, the party is preparing to finalize its list of aspirants. If Jonathan opts not to run, it could shift the dynamics among other contenders vying for the APC ticket. The source’s statement suggests that the former president’s hesitation may stem from broader considerations, including political alliances and public perception.
The Fulani community’s gesture of purchasing the nomination form was seen as an attempt to rally support for Jonathan, particularly in northern Nigeria. However, without his active participation, the initiative appears unlikely to translate into a formal candidacy. “We cannot say definitively if he is keen on running,” the source reiterated, underscoring the ambiguity surrounding Jonathan’s political plans.
Looking Ahead
As the deadline for submitting nomination forms approaches, all eyes remain on Goodluck Jonathan and his next move. Whether he chooses to re-enter the presidential race or maintain his current distance from active politics, his decision will undoubtedly influence Nigeria’s political landscape. For now, the former president’s silence leaves room for speculation, but the lack of a completed form suggests that an APC candidacy may not be in his immediate plans.
