From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 elections, First Daily has announced plans to conduct a nationwide online opinion poll to gauge the public acceptance of former President Goodluck Jonathan as a potential candidate.
Its Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, in a statement, said the online poll would carry the banner “2027: Should Goodluck Jonathan run?”.
According to him, the initiative stems from the organisation’s long-standing belief that credible public opinion remains a critical component of democratic consolidation.
“By offering Nigerians the opportunity to freely express their views, the poll aims to provide an empirical reflection of how citizens perceive the possible return of Jonathan to the nation’s top office,” he said.
Speaking on the rationale behind the exercise, Daniel noted that as an organisation, First Daily recognises the growing public conversation surrounding Jonathan’s political future and the agitations in some quarters for him to run.
He said: “As an institution that thrives on data-driven journalism and objective analysis, we see it as our civic duty to create a credible platform where Nigerians can voice their thoughts on an issue that has significant national implications.
“We are aware that as of today, the political future of the former president is one of the hottest political discussions across the country and even beyond. While arguments have been advanced in some quarters as to him being a credible alternative that will enrich and make the contest more interesting cum competitive. There is the school of thought for him to remain a statesman.”
The outcome of the poll, he noted, will not only help clarify the level of grassroots and elite acceptance of Jonathan across the nation’s diverse political spectrum, but also provide valuable insights to political actors and the electorate.
“For Jonathan himself, the result of the poll will serve as an objective barometer of public sentiment, helping to shape his decision on whether or not to heed the growing calls for a comeback in 2027.”
He added that beyond its implications for the former President, the poll also represents an opportunity for Nigerians to participate in shaping the nation’s political narrative ahead of the 2027 general election.
He further added that it underscores the power of public opinion in guiding leadership choices and strengthening democratic accountability.
He reaffirmed that the process will be transparent, inclusive, and technologically driven, ensuring broad participation across the country’s geo-political zones.
“The findings will be published in detail upon completion, providing a credible reference point for political watchers and analysts alike,” he emphasised.
