Hon. Fred Agbedi, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, has expressed that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s entry into the 2027 presidential race will fundamentally transform Nigeria’s political landscape.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Agbedi confirmed that Jonathan intends to run for the presidency under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). When questioned about how Jonathan’s candidacy would affect a field already featuring notable contenders like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore—all aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the January 2027 election—Agbedi remarked, “It carries significant weight; it will disrupt the entire political environment.”
The Bayelsa lawmaker emphasized that Jonathan is now better prepared than ever to lead the nation, asserting that he is the most suitable individual to guide Nigeria at this critical time. “He is more qualified for the position. A serious nation within a democratic framework seeks out the most capable individuals, regardless of their location, to respond to the urgent needs of the country. We require a competent, capable, tested, and trusted leader to steer our nation,” Agbedi stated.
Agbedi further noted that after eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari and three years under President Tinubu, Nigerians are eager for another four years of Jonathan’s leadership to bring stability. He argued that conditions are deteriorating under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, and many citizens believe Jonathan is the one who can rescue the country.
These comments follow a recent court ruling that permits Jonathan to contest in the 2027 presidential election. On Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a lawsuit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, which sought to bar Jonathan from running. The judge also imposed a fine of N20 million against Jideobi in favor of the former president, and an additional N1 million fine in favor of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). Justice Lifu determined that the plaintiff lacked legal standing, as he had not suffered any harm from Jonathan’s alleged intention to run. The judge noted that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had previously affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility, and he was bound by the appellate court’s decision. Consequently, the lawsuit was deemed “an abuse of the court process.”