Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday held a closed-door meeting with former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), at his Minna residence, amid growing speculation about Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race in 2027.
According to findings by The Cabal, Jonathan arrived at IBB’s Hilltop mansion around 4:15 p.m. and departed by 5:07 p.m., having travelled to the Niger State capital by road.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the visit is part of Jonathan’s wider consultations following pressure from northern leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
According to insider accounts, some influential party figures in the North are reportedly more inclined to support Jonathan’s return under the PDP platform, seeing it as a strategic move to complete the South’s remaining term, rather than back a potential candidacy by former Labour Party flag bearer, Peter Obi.
“The argument is that Jonathan would serve a single term, allowing power to rotate back to the North in 2031,” a source familiar with the discussions revealed.
It was further gathered that proponents of the plan are working to reposition the PDP ahead of its next national convention, with a view to presenting a Jonathan–Bala Mohammed ticket to the electorate. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State is reportedly being considered as a potential running mate.
“On this basis, the former president has begun discreet consultations with key national figures, including General Babangida, to secure buy-in before formally declaring his interest,” the source said.
During the meeting, Jonathan was said to have laid all the relevant issues on the table, seeking IBB’s views on the proposal.
While IBB reportedly neither opposed nor endorsed the idea, he was said to have advised Jonathan to engage in broader consultations before taking a final decision.
