The legacy of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is mixed but significant. As president (2010–2015), he advanced electoral reforms and set a historic precedent by conceding defeat in 2015, strengthening Nigeria's democracy. He also pursued economic and agricultural reforms that boosted growth. However, his tenure was weakened by criticism over corruption, economic fragility, and an ineffective response to insecurity, especially Boko Haram. He was president when the Chibok girls' kidnapping took place.

A PDP faction nominated him for the 2027 election after a court cleared him to run, though he has not confirmed any candidacy and allies deny he is interested. Overall, Jonathan is remembered both as a democratic reformer and as a leader whose administration struggled with key governance challenges, and his possible political return remains uncertain.