Kano State is abuzz with political intrigue following the appearance of campaign posters featuring former President Goodluck Jonathan. The posters, displayed at prominent locations like the Gyadi-Gyadi/Zoo Road flyover, Kofar Nasarawa, and State Road, carry the slogan: “Team New Nigeria 2027: The Goodluck Nigeria Needs—Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.”
The posters have reignited discussions about Jonathan’s potential return to politics, although no confirmation has been made regarding his involvement. His spokesperson, Okechukwu Eze, was unavailable for comment at the time of this report.
Team New Nigeria: The Movement Behind the Campaign
The group behind the posters, Team New Nigeria (TNN), is led by Modibbo Yakubu Farakwai. TNN recently inaugurated a harmonisation committee in Kano to advance its political agenda. Speaking to journalists, Farakwai cited public demand for change as the motivation behind the group’s efforts.
“Nigerians are hungry for change and yearning for a new party with new faces to drive that change. They want a transformation in the culture and efficacy of governance at all levels,” Farakwai said.
He revealed that the group boasts a nationwide voter base of 26,382,000 individuals and is working to formalise TNN as a political party. Efforts include the development of a party flag, logo, constitution, and manifesto, alongside consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A Call for Transformation
According to Farakwai, TNN aims to establish an alternative governance model rooted in democratic ideals.
“We have embarked upon this nationwide program of rallies to start a new dialogue with the good people of Nigeria in the new situation that has arisen in the country,” he added.
Historical Context and Speculations
This development mirrors a similar incident in 2022, when supporters attempted to draft Jonathan into the presidential race under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although Jonathan distanced himself from the move, it followed a court ruling affirming his eligibility to contest again despite having served two presidential terms.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2010 to 2015, lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. Speculations about his return continue to generate diverse reactions across the political spectrum.
What’s Next for TNN?
The emergence of TNN and its support for Jonathan could signal the rise of a new political force in Nigeria. However, without official endorsement from the former president, it remains to be seen how far the movement can go in reshaping the country’s political landscape.