Why Jonathan Shouldn’t Join 2027 Presidential Race — Lamido

By Akanni Toba

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to resist the temptation of throwing his hat into the ring for the highest political seat contest scheduled for 2027.

Lamido stated some reasons why Jonathan should stay away from partisan political contest with the former Nigeria’s helmsman new status as statesman being accorded prominence on the list.

He noted that attempts to draw Jonathan back into active politics could undermine the former president’s reputation as a respected elder statesman.

The former governor made his position on the much touted Jonathan’s presidential ambition known in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday.

“It is unfair and ill-opportune to drag his person into the current murky political arena populated by unserious, self-seeking and self-serving characters,” Lamido stated.

According to him, Jonathan has moved beyond the stage of active political contests and now belongs to the circle of globally respected former leaders.

The PDP chieftain said such figures deserve to have their dignity and status preserved rather than exposed to partisan political struggles.

Lamido also criticised the state of political parties in the country, saying many lack ideological direction and are focused mainly on gaining power ahead of 2027.

He argued that the renewed calls for Jonathan’s return are not driven by any coherent political agenda.

“The call for President Jonathan to hop into the political arena, no matter how well-intentioned, stems from the helplessness and hopelessness Nigeria has found itself in,” he wrote.

Lamido described the pressure on Jonathan as a “desperation call” reflecting public frustration over the country’s political and economic conditions.

He urged Jonathan to resist what he described as “ego-caressing” appeals from supporters and political actors seeking to use his name for political advantage.

“While the call is appreciated, it is a desperation call lacking in any depth beyond being a ventilator of frustration,” the former governor added.

There was a renewed clamour for Jonathan to join the race for presidency early this month when some loyalists marched to his office to show solidarity for the ex-president.

While at Jonathan’s office, the loyalists called on the former president to declare his interest for the presidency.

The loyalists stated that Jonathan has the clout to give other contestants a run for their money and emerge as the country’s next president.

But reacting to their clamour, Jonathan asked the mammoth crowd of loyalists to give him time for wide consultations adding that politics is no computer game.

However, the Turaki-led faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has hinted at the possibility of fielding Jonathan as the only presidential candidate of the once vibrant opposition party.