Sani, however, noted that it is Jonathan’s prerogative to contest or snub those calling for his return.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Human rights activist and former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani has urged former President, Goodluck Jonathan, to resist calls for him to contest the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.
He gave the advice while featuring as a guest on Channels Television programme, ‘Sunday Politics’.
Jonathan, who was Vice President to former late President Umaru Yar’adua for three years before his death, ascended to the presidency on May 6, 2010.
After the expiration of the tenure in May 29, 2011, he was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was in the saddle till May 29, 2015.
He then re-contested in 2015 but lost to late Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recently, top opposition politicians have called on him to contest against incumbent President, BolaTinubu in 2027.
Reacting to the suggestions, Sani advised Jonathan to jettison the idea of running for presidency come 2027, saying the PDP he knew does not exist anymore.
He added that the ex-President’s name always comes up whenever there is an election.
He, however, noted that it is his prerogative to contest or snub those calling for his return.
When asked is Jonathan should contest in 2027, Sani said, “I advise him not to do that. The reason is very simple: the PDP he used to know is not the PDP now.
“The PDP in the South-West is endorsing the president. Some members of the party are in the coalition. So, it is the party he used to know so he shouldn’t waste his time.”
