Northern Governors Alleged Behind Jonathan’s APC Nomination Form

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been thrust into Nigeria’s 2023 presidential race after a northern group purchased nomination forms in his name.

On Monday, the Nomadic Pastoralists and Almajiri Communities, led by Ibrahim Abdullahi, picked up the ₦100m All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential forms.

Abdullahi told reporters they wanted Jonathan to “continue with the good work he had started.”

However, Jonathan’s camp quickly distanced him from the development.

His Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, said “Jonathan did not authorise the purchase of the forms but thanked the donors for their concern.” He added that the former president was not in the APC race.

Northern Governors Alleged To Be Behind The Purchase

Daily Trust reported that a serving northern governor credited ₦100m into the APC Collection Account at Heritage Bank.

The bank confirmed the payment in a letter dated May 9, 2022, titled “Notification of credit into account: All Progressives Congress (APC) Collections Account: 5600007616.”

Sources alleged that two influential governors—one from the North West and another from the North East—were working to draft Jonathan into the contest.

Both are said to be close to President Muhammadu Buhari and have played key roles in APC affairs over the past seven years.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has largely stayed away from party activities since leaving office.

Yet, his cordial ties with Buhari and senior APC figures have fuelled speculation about his possible return.

Backstory And Political Implications

Jonathan’s presidency ended in 2015 when he conceded defeat to Buhari, making history as the first Nigerian leader to peacefully hand over power after losing an election.

Since then, his occasional meetings with Buhari have drawn attention, especially as opposition leaders accuse him of aligning with the ruling party.

The sudden purchase of APC forms for Jonathan has shifted the conversation around the 2023 presidency.

It has also deepened speculation about internal power struggles within the APC, particularly among northern elites seeking to influence succession politics.

While Jonathan has denied involvement, the incident underscores the fluid nature of Nigeria’s politics, where new alliances and political calculus can change overnight.

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