2027 Presidency: Jonathan slams Keyamo, Odinkalu for ‘reckless talks’

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed strong discontent towards Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and legal expert Prof. Chidi Odinkalu for openly opposing his rumored ambition to run for president in the 2027 elections.

He issued a stern warning, urging them to refrain from interfering in his political decisions.

Keyamo and Odinkalu had previously advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against granting Jonathan its presidential nomination.

Their argument was rooted in the belief that his potential candidacy would encounter significant legal challenges, given that he has already served two terms as president, which they claim could disqualify him from re-entering the race.

However, in a statement released on Monday through his brother, Azibaola Robert, Jonathan vehemently rejected their assertions.

He emphasized that his eligibility for the presidency remains unquestioned and that he has no need for unsolicited counsel from others.

Robert took to his verified Facebook page to address the two critics directly, stating, “Dear Festus Keyamo (SAN) and Chidi Odinkalu (Prof.), I extend my greetings to both of you. For the record, all three of us are lawyers. We all stood as pro-democracy activists in the tumultuous 1990s, and I would confidently assert that my record as an activist surpasses both of yours combined.”

“Rule No. 1: Do not offer legal advice where none is solicited. GEJ (PDP) has numerous, more cerebral, more experienced SANs at his disposal who give him sound, unblemished professional legal advice.

“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.

“Your unsolicited legal view is not of any concern to him and will never be. Don’t waste your precious time dwelling on this.

“Or should I schedule a meeting so you can be properly educated on the subsisting court judgments on the matter — one of which your party, APC, was a party to?”

Robert added, in a lighter tone: “This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though.”

Although Jonathan has yet to make a formal declaration on the 2027 race, his rumoured ambition has already drawn reactions from political opponents who argue that a return bid could jeopardise the South’s chances of retaining the presidency.

For now, it remains uncertain whether the former president will join the race, but the early debates signal an intensifying battle over zoning, eligibility, and succession ahead of the 2027 elections.