Jonathan shouldn’t allow himself to be dragged into 2027 race – Lamido
Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Sule Lamido, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to stay away from partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As political realignments gather momentum across the country, calls have continued to mount for Jonathan to return to active politics. However, Lamido described the appeals as misguided and driven by desperation.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, the former governor warned that efforts to lure Jonathan back into the political arena could diminish his standing as a respected elder statesman.
According to Lamido, the former president now occupies a distinguished place in Nigeria and the international community, a status he said should not be dragged into contemporary political battles.
“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.
He argued that Jonathan has moved beyond active political contests and now belongs among globally respected former leaders whose dignity should be protected rather than exposed to partisan struggles.
Lamido also criticised the condition of political parties in the country, saying many lack clear ideological direction and are primarily focused on capturing power ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the renewed campaign urging Jonathan to return is not rooted in any coherent political programme.
“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.
The PDP stalwart further described the pressure on Jonathan as a reflection of growing public frustration over the nation’s political and economic challenges.
He urged the former president to resist what he termed “ego-caressing” appeals from supporters and political actors seeking political relevance through his name.
“While the call is appreciated, it is a desperation call lacking in any depth beyond being a ventilator of frustration,” the former governor added.
Lamido concluded that Jonathan remains a significant national figure whose future role, if any, should be approached with caution rather than hastily tied to the 2027 presidential contest.
