2027: Goodluck Jonathan Backs APC Candidates Presented to Him in Bayelsa East

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed support for a group of All Progressives Congress candidates contesting legislative seats in Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.

Jonathan received the candidates at his residence in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during a visit by a delegation of APC leaders and political stakeholders from the district.

The delegation was led by former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd.), and included the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, as well as the Bayelsa State Chairman of the APC, Warman Weri Ogoriba.

The meeting was organised to formally introduce the party’s candidates to Jonathan ahead of the 2027 elections and seek his goodwill and support.

While presenting the candidates, the delegation described them as individuals with experience and the capacity to represent their constituents at the National Assembly and the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Jonathan responded by commending the calibre of the people presented to him.

He indicated that he considered virtually all of the candidates capable of serving effectively, pointing to their experience, performance and capacity.

The former president subsequently gave them his blessings and urged them to remain committed to serving the people if they eventually secure victory at the polls.

Jonathan also used the occasion to remind the candidates that political office should be viewed as an opportunity to improve society rather than simply as a means of gaining power or influence.

He urged them to use any positions they secure to attract meaningful development to their constituencies and contribute to the wider progress of Bayelsa State.

The former president further appealed for peace and unity among political actors in the state, stressing that cooperation and stability were important to the continued development of Bayelsa.

Among those presented during the meeting was Israel Sunny-Goli, the APC candidate for the Bayelsa East Senatorial District.

Jonathan Robinson Obuebite was presented as the party’s candidate for the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency, while Jude Amidator Rex-Ogbuku was presented for the Ogbia Federal Constituency.

Several candidates seeking seats in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly were also introduced.

They included Oteigbanyo George Braah for Nembe Constituency 1, Edward Brigidi Irigha for Nembe Constituency 2 and Alalibo West for Nembe Constituency 3.

Daniel Charles was presented for Brass Constituency 1, Timi Agala for Brass Constituency 2 and Abraham Ngobere for Brass Constituency 3.

The list also included Ebiango Okoba Egain for Ogbia Constituency 1, Godknows Obein for Ogbia Constituency 2 and Gabriel Michael Ogbara for Ogbia Constituency 3.

The gathering brought together APC figures and other stakeholders from the Brass, Nembe and Ogbia areas, reflecting the party’s preparations for the 2027 electoral contest.

Jonathan’s interaction with the APC candidates is notable because of his long-standing political significance in Bayelsa, particularly in the Bayelsa East area.

The former president served as governor of Bayelsa before becoming vice president and later president of Nigeria.

His political activities and public statements therefore continue to attract attention, particularly when they involve candidates contesting elections in his home state.

The meeting also comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties strengthening their structures and seeking support from influential figures across the country.

The APC has been preparing its candidates for National Assembly and state legislative contests in Bayelsa, with the party having earlier completed its primary processes and presented nomination certificates to its candidates.

Sunny-Goli, Ogbuku, Obuebite and other candidates are among those who have been presented as part of the APC’s legislative ticket in the state.

The party is seeking to expand its representation in Bayelsa, where political competition has historically been intense.

For the candidates presented to Jonathan, the meeting provided an opportunity to receive encouragement from a former president and prominent Bayelsa political figure before the election campaign intensifies.

Jonathan’s advice also placed emphasis on the responsibilities that accompany electoral victory.

Rather than focusing solely on the competition involved in securing political office, he urged the candidates to concentrate on service delivery and development.

He also called on political stakeholders to preserve peace, unity and togetherness in the state.

The emphasis on peace comes as political parties prepare for what is expected to be a competitive electoral period across Bayelsa and other parts of the country.

Political campaigns can often create tensions among supporters, particularly where candidates and parties have strong grassroots structures.

The former president’s call for cooperation therefore forms part of a broader appeal for political actors to avoid actions that could undermine stability.

The candidates themselves have been presented as representatives who would be expected to protect the interests of their respective constituencies if elected.

The delegation that introduced them to Jonathan also appealed for his goodwill, portraying the candidates as individuals with the experience and character required to provide representation.

Their success, however, will ultimately depend on the electoral process and the decisions of voters in their respective constituencies.

The meeting does not by itself determine the outcome of any of the contests, but it places the candidates within a wider political conversation involving prominent figures in Bayelsa.

Jonathan’s involvement is also significant because his political position regarding the 2027 presidential election has generated considerable national discussion.

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party previously adopted him as its presidential candidate, although Jonathan has not publicly declared an intention to contest the presidency.

Reports have also highlighted political efforts by different groups seeking to associate the former president with the 2027 race.

His latest engagement with APC candidates in Bayelsa East, however, relates specifically to legislative candidates from the district rather than constituting a declaration of support for the APC’s presidential candidate.

The distinction is important as political parties continue to interpret public appearances and statements by influential figures ahead of the election.

In Bayelsa, the focus of the meeting was on candidates seeking legislative positions and their expected responsibilities to their constituents.

Jonathan urged them to approach politics as a platform for improving the lives of the people rather than merely pursuing political positions.

He also encouraged stakeholders to prioritise development across their communities.

For residents of Bayelsa East, the legislative contests will determine who represents the senatorial district, federal constituency and state constituencies at the different levels of government.

The representatives will have responsibilities ranging from legislative activities and oversight to constituency engagement and advocacy for development projects.

As the 2027 election approaches, candidates are expected to increasingly present their programmes and qualifications to voters.

The APC’s latest engagement with Jonathan forms part of those preparations, with party leaders seeking to consolidate support and introduce their candidates to influential stakeholders.

The meeting in Yenagoa also demonstrated the continued importance of consultations within Bayelsa’s political landscape.

Political candidates and parties frequently seek the support or goodwill of former officeholders, traditional leaders, community leaders and other influential figures as elections draw closer.

Jonathan’s response to the APC delegation therefore adds another development to the evolving political activities in the state.

His message to the candidates was ultimately centred on public service, development and peaceful political participation.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the APC candidates presented during the meeting will now have to take their campaigns to voters across Bayelsa East and make their individual cases for election.