2027: North not swayed by one-term promise – ACF

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has responded to reports suggesting that former President Goodluck Jonathan may be considered as a potential presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 elections, stating that the North will not be influenced solely by the promise of a single-term presidency.

Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, said that while Jonathan remains a respected figure, his eligibility for only one term should not be used as a political tool to gain regional support.

“The idea of a one-term presidency is not a constitutional requirement but a political tactic. The electorate should decide if a candidate deserves a second term, and that choice should not be predetermined,” he said.

Baba’s comments come amid growing speculation that the PDP may draft Jonathan to run in 2027, possibly with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate — a North-South pairing seen by some as a strategy to build broad national appeal.

He noted that political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections reflect ongoing consultations among stakeholders seeking effective combinations to secure electoral success.

“Many politicians are weighing their options and trying out different alliances. These are early moves in a long race, and while it shows how seriously they take public opinion, it’s still premature to draw conclusions,” he said.

Professor Baba acknowledged Jonathan’s post-2015 legacy, including his peaceful concession and continued diplomatic engagements, but said these attributes alone would not automatically translate into strong support in the North.

“Jonathan has earned some goodwill since leaving office, but winning over voters in the North requires more than that. Every candidate must present a compelling case for support,” he said.