Seeking to transform himself from jailed tycoon to political heavyweight, former Yukos Oil Co. chief executive Mikhail Khodorkovsky announced Wednesday that he plans to run for parliament from prison.

By targeting an open seat in Moscow’s University voting district, one of the most liberal in the country, Khodorkovsky could be a serious contender.

But given legal obstacles likely to derail his candidacy, Khodorkovsky appeared primarily interested in boosting his claim to a leadership position among opponents of President Vladimir V. Putin. His effort also appeared designed to promote cooperation among anti-Kremlin forces on both the right and left.

Khodorkovsky, who was once Russia’s richest man, was convicted in May of fraud, tax evasion and embezzlement and sentenced to nine years in prison. But his prosecution was widely viewed as a politically motivated attack by the Kremlin on a potentially powerful opponent. He retains a positive image and considerable popularity among many intellectuals, pro-democracy activists and leaders of parties with a pro-Western orientation.