Fresh indications have emerged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be intensifying efforts to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race, with House of Representatives Minority Leader Fred Agbedi declaring that the party is deliberately positioning the former leader for a potential comeback.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Monday, Agbedi suggested that Jonathan's silence over mounting calls for his return should not be interpreted as disinterest, insisting that the former president occupies a unique position in Nigerian politics and should be unveiled through a carefully designed party process.
The lawmaker described Jonathan as a tested leader whose experience in government and international diplomacy places him among the few Nigerians capable of steering the country through its current economic and security difficulties.
According to Agbedi, the former president's growing profile on the global stage has strengthened rather than diminished his relevance to domestic politics.
He argued that while Jonathan continues to play influential roles in international affairs, Nigeria itself requires experienced leadership to overcome insecurity, governance challenges and declining public confidence in state institutions.
"President Goodluck Jonathan understands democracy, understands governance and understands the rule of law. At a time when Nigerians are searching for solutions to the country's problems, he remains one of the most credible options available," Agbedi said.
The PDP chieftain maintained that developed democracies often identify and encourage capable leaders to serve instead of waiting for them to openly seek power, adding that Jonathan fits the profile of a leader who should be persuaded to answer a national call.
His remarks come amid increasing speculation over the PDP's strategy for the 2027 election and growing discussions within opposition circles about the possibility of rallying around a consensus candidate capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Agbedi dismissed criticism that Jonathan's supporters were placing the former president in an awkward position by publicly canvassing support for his return, arguing that political leadership can emerge from popular demand rather than personal ambition.
He said there was nothing unusual about influential political figures being encouraged by party members and supporters to seek office, noting that such endorsements often carry greater significance than self-declared ambitions.
The Minority Leader also defended Jonathan's continued silence, describing it as part of a broader political strategy.
According to him, the process of presenting a former president for another shot at the nation's highest office differs significantly from the conventional route taken by first-time aspirants.
He further pointed to the fact that Jonathan has not publicly distanced himself from individuals and groups advocating his candidacy, suggesting that the campaign enjoys a level of understanding between the former president and those promoting his return.
On the internal crisis rocking the PDP, Agbedi said the party remains focused on resolving its legal disputes with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through the courts.
He explained that the party's current legal battle stems from disagreements over the recognition of its leadership structure, insisting that the PDP is simply seeking the enforcement of existing judicial pronouncements.
Despite a Federal High Court ruling that went against the party, Agbedi expressed confidence that the PDP would ultimately prevail on appeal.
The lawmaker also hinted that the opposition's political calculations ahead of 2027 are far from settled, refusing to disclose details of ongoing consultations and alliance-building efforts.
While acknowledging perceptions of a fragmented opposition, he suggested that the political landscape could change dramatically before the next general election.
"What looks like different opposition groups today may eventually come together. Politics is dynamic, and elections are won through strategy," he said.
Agbedi reserved some of his strongest comments for the current administration, arguing that Nigeria needs a leader with both local experience and international credibility to restore confidence in governance and improve the country's standing abroad.
He insisted that if Jonathan eventually secures the PDP ticket and appears on the ballot, he would attract broad support from Nigerians seeking a different direction for the country.
The remarks are expected to further fuel debate over Jonathan's political future and intensify speculation about whether the former president will once again emerge as a major player in Nigeria's increasingly competitive race for the presidency.
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