Spotlights
“Don’t run in 2027” – Ex-President Jonathan told to beware of political disgrace
“The motivations of those advocating for and endorsing Mr. Jonathan are misguided. He must exercise caution; otherwise, he may come to regret this decision as it could tarnish his esteemed reputation.”
A prominent political advocacy group, the Eastern Union, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan against pursuing the 2027 presidential election, cautioning that any effort to return to Aso Rock may jeopardize his legacy and undermine the opposition.
The organization, which advocates for the political reconfiguration of Nigeria’s historical Eastern Region, believes that Jonathan’s candidacy would be intrinsically flawed and asserts that those encouraging him to run are primarily motivated by self-serving interests from the northern region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s National President, Charles Anike, accused the former president’s supporters of attempting to utilize him as a means for northern succession, suggesting that there are plans for him to serve only one term before transferring power back to northern Nigeria.
Anike stated, “The motivations of those advocating for and endorsing Mr. Jonathan are misguided. He must exercise caution; otherwise, he may come to regret this decision as it could tarnish his esteemed reputation.”
The group further cautioned that nominating Jonathan could fracture the opposition, particularly at a critical juncture when unity is essential to dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Anike noted, “The emergence of Jonathan would ultimately undermine the potential of a cohesive opposition coalition. Should he be propelled to contest without regard for the advantages of a united front, it would unwittingly facilitate a favorable outcome for President Bola Tinubu and his APC associates.”
He urged Jonathan to support a credible and appealing candidate from the South, particularly from the Eastern Region. He emphasized that Jonathan’s principal objective should be to unseat the APC-led federal government, which would significantly enhance his political legacy.