According to a report by Daily Post on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has said former President Goodluck Jonathan has not yet publicly accepted or rejected the party’s presidential nomination form ahead of the 2027 general elections because he is still weighing key legal and political considerations.
Sani made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television, where he addressed speculation surrounding Jonathan’s position within the PDP’s emerging presidential race.
According to him, Jonathan’s delay should not be interpreted as hesitation or unwillingness to contest, noting that the former president already has the experience and political background required for such a decision.
He explained that the situation is being influenced by unresolved legal and political questions that the former president is carefully evaluating before making any public declaration.
Sani pointed in particular to ongoing disputes regarding Jonathan’s eligibility, despite previous court rulings that had addressed the matter. He noted that although some judicial decisions appeared to favour the former president, appeals have since been filed, keeping the issue in contention.
He argued that the legal uncertainty surrounding the matter remains one of the factors shaping Jonathan’s cautious approach.
“There is an eligibility issue concerning Jonathan. Even though a court has ruled on it, some parties are still challenging the decision and have taken the matter further on appeal,” Sani said.
He added that Jonathan is aware of the political implications of the unresolved legal processes and is therefore exercising restraint before making a formal acceptance or rejection of the party’s offer.
According to him, the former president’s silence is not due to indecision but rather a deliberate strategy to avoid complications that could arise from ongoing legal proceedings.
Sani further stated that within the PDP, Goodluck Jonathan is widely regarded as a leading figure for the 2027 presidential race, even though he has not formally confirmed his participation.
He said the party has already placed Jonathan’s name in consideration for its presidential ticket, but is still awaiting a clear public response from him.
“So far, the understanding within the party is that Jonathan remains a strong option. However, he has not officially communicated whether he is accepting or declining the nomination process,” he said.
The PDP chieftain maintained that Jonathan’s approach reflects caution and political calculation rather than reluctance.
He concluded that the former president is carefully assessing both legal developments and political dynamics before making a definitive statement on his 2027 ambition.