Former President Fires Back at Critics of His 2027 Ambition
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed criticism from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) and legal scholar Prof. Chidi Odinkalu over his speculated 2027 presidential ambition, warning them to stay away from his political decisions.
Jonathan, who first assumed office in 2010 after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later won the 2011 election, governed until 2015. His time in power was marked by both praise and controversy: he was credited with expanding access to education, reforming the power sector, and overseeing what many described as Nigeria’s freest election in 2015. Yet his administration also drew criticism for failing to decisively curb Boko Haram’s insurgency and for corruption scandals that eroded public trust.
Nigerians Look Back at Jonathan’s Era With Nostalgia
Despite these mixed records, Jonathan’s name has resurfaced strongly in recent political conversations. Many Nigerians, frustrated by economic hardship and political tensions in recent years, now look back on his tenure with nostalgia — describing it as a more stable and tolerant period compared to the present.
This sentiment has fuelled speculation that Jonathan could make a political comeback in 2027 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Keyamo and Odinkalu, however, have urged the PDP not to hand him its ticket, warning that such a move could run into constitutional hurdles since Jonathan had already been sworn in twice as president. They also argued that his candidacy might upset the zoning arrangement that has long shaped Nigeria’s power rotation between North and South.
Jonathan’s Camp Pushes Back
Through his brother Azibaola Robert, Jonathan dismissed their concerns in a strongly worded statement on Facebook:
“Dear Festus Keyamo (SAN), Chidi Odinkalu (Prof.), I greet both of you. For the records, three of us are lawyers. We were all pro-democracy activists in the 90s, and I was a better activist than both of you combined.”
Robert insisted Jonathan’s eligibility was not in doubt:
“Please note: GEJ is 100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest, if he chooses to. If he decides not to yield to the overwhelming calls to run, it will not be because he is unqualified.”
He added that Jonathan already has access to “more cerebral, more experienced SANs” guiding him, making the advice from Keyamo and Odinkalu unnecessary. With a sharp retort, he even offered to “schedule a meeting” to educate them on subsisting court judgments — including one involving Keyamo’s APC.
Still, Robert stressed: “This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though.”
Supporters vs. Critics
Jonathan has yet to formally declare interest, but his possible return has already divided opinion across Nigeria’s political class.
- Supporters argue that his experience and reputation as a leader who peacefully handed over power in 2015 could make him a unifying figure. They also point to achievements such as his “35% Affirmative Action” initiative for women, democratic reforms, and key infrastructure projects.
- Critics caution that his comeback could weaken the South’s bargaining power since the region currently holds the presidency under Bola Tinubu. Others insist that Jonathan’s past shortcomings on security and governance remain too fresh to overlook.
What Next for 2027?
As the 2027 race inches closer, Jonathan’s next move remains uncertain. Will he answer the calls of those who feel his time offered Nigerians a better deal, or will he stay out of the contest altogether?
For now, one thing is clear: his political journey is once again at the center of national debate.
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