The Traffic

2027 Elections: Goodluck Jonathan Meets IBB in Private Talks Amid Rising Political Speculation

In a move that has reignited political speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan paid a surprise visit to Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), on Sunday.

The closed-door meeting, held at IBB’s Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State, lasted over 45 minutes. Jonathan, who arrived by road around 4:15 PM and departed at 5:07 PM, declined to speak with the press, fueling intrigue over the nature of the discussion.

While the official purpose of the visit remains undisclosed, political insiders suggest it centered on strategic consultations related to the 2027 elections. Attempts to reach Jonathan’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, for clarification were unsuccessful as calls and text messages went unanswered.

This development comes amid ongoing calls from political stakeholders—particularly from the North—urging Jonathan to consider another presidential bid. Among the prominent voices is Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who has publicly stated his willingness to shelve his own presidential ambition should Jonathan decide to contest.

“As long as Jonathan is in the picture, I will not run,” Bala said during an earlier interaction, praising the former president’s leadership within the PDP and the country at large.

However, the political landscape remains uncertain. In May, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan seemed to extinguish speculation when she said her family had no intention of challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Instead, she declared their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Jonathan’s visit to IBB, a political godfather with considerable influence, may now raise questions about whether the former president is reconsidering his stance—or simply consulting an elder statesman on the state of the nation.

One thing is clear: as the countdown to 2027 begins, political alignments are shifting—and all eyes are back on Goodluck Jonathan.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna