“Jonathan Under Pressure to Join 2027 Race,” Analyst Discusses, Shares Details
- A top political analyst, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, has voiced concern over ex-President Goodluck Jonathan's possible return
- Speaking exclusively with Legit.ng, Akinniyi maintained that Jonathan's return would do more harm than good for Nigeria
- Amid the plot to sack President Bola Tinubu in 2027, Akinniyi disclosed that Jonathan is under pressure to run for president under the platform of the PDP but urged the former president to ignore the calls and maintain his statesmanship
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, spokesperson for the New Democratic Frontiers (NDF), has urged former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan not to contest for president in 2027.
Source: Getty Images
Jonathan is better as a statesman - Akinniyi
Legit.ng reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in fresh internal divisions as its leaders remain divided over whether to field Jonathan, former Anambra state governor Peter Obi, or Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
However, Akinniyi, in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Sunday, August 24, expressed concern over Jonathan's possible return and urged the former president to maintain his statesmanship rather than join the 2027 presidential race.
Akinniyi told Legit.ng that:
"There has been an increased drive to pull Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 Presidency race and we have seen him going about some visits that might be tagged 'political'. However, as I have opined in the past, President Jonathan is eligible to run and he has the right to do so, if he so wishes.
"My concern is what he will say to overturn what was said about him in 2015, which got him to lose his re-election bid. There were huge cases of corruption perpetuated by members of his government and that painted him a weak leader, although that can't deny him the fact that he is peaceful and forthright.
"He has headed many foreign peace missions for Nigeria and I will suggest he stick to that and be statesman that he is. There is nothing special that he will dispense now that he didn't do in the 6 years of his first coming. Those who are calling on him to run, want to rubbish the remaining legacy of his. Just like his wife once said when she was asked about the family returning to power: "We didn't forget anything in Aso Villa".
Source: Getty Images
Jonathan is being pressured to contest - Akinniyi
Explaining further, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, shared how Jonathan is being pressured to contest for president under the platform of the PDP, noting that many believed he is the right candidate that could challenge President Bola Tinubu.
Interestingly, Akinniyi noted that a Jonathan candidacy will do more than good for Nigeria.
The political analyst opined thus:
"Presently, we need bold ideas and new policies that will keep Nigeria afloat, we need someone who can do better than what has been done the last 15 years. Someone who can pull in the best sets of investment that will drive up domestic revenue and reduce unemployment simultaneously. Regardless of age and zone, Nigeria is in search of a National leader who can make the country great again.
"I am not seeing Jonathan doing anything different from what he did in the past, especially looking at those around him now [known individuals who have been in power before with no significant track records]. Goodluck Jonathan is better as a statesman than a politician. Sincerely, I won't believe his campaign to be a better president than he was pre-2015.
"Sources within the PDP confirm that Dr Jonathan is being pressured to contest the 2027 presidency on the party’s platform. How will be survive the politics with Minister Wike in charge of the soul of the PDP? It is expected he will soon announce his disinterest in the race, just like he did pre-2023."
Read more about Jonathan, the 2027 election here:
- Jonathan's return: Top lawmaker mentions states Tinubu will win if ex-president contests in 2027
- 2027 election: "Why North will back Atiku-Obi ticket," top political analyst explains
- Atiku coalition: “Why a southern candidate cannot defeat Tinubu,” Analyst speaks ahead of 2027
Jonathan vs Obi: North's best choice revealed
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that PDP chieftain, Umar Sani, said he preferred Jonathan as his party’s presidential candidate rather than Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
He stated that the North would prefer Jonathan to Obi, and the former president's return to power for another four years will complete the South’s eight years.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
