President Bola Tinubu and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cast doubt on former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election, asserting that his political influence is insufficient to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
Addressing speculations about Jonathan’s return to the presidential race, the APC emphasized that Nigeria’s current challenges demand forward-looking leadership rather than a reliance on past sentiments.
Recently, supporters have been urging Jonathan, who was defeated by the late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, to contest the 2027 elections.
However, APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, in a statement released on Friday, questioned the viability of Jonathan’s candidacy.
“We recognize the former president’s contribution to a peaceful democratic transition in 2015, which earned him widespread admiration,” Oladejo stated.
“However, Nigeria has progressed beyond politics driven by sentiment or nostalgia.”
Oladejo argued that the Jonathan administration (2010–2015) left behind significant challenges, including widespread corruption, persistent insecurity, and economic stagnation.
“While some may view that era with fondness, nostalgia cannot serve as a policy framework,” he remarked.
“Emotional appeals will not address critical issues like power shortages, youth unemployment, or the decline in education.”
The APC also highlighted potential legal and political hurdles to Jonathan’s candidacy, noting that his prior tenure exceeding one term could spark constitutional disputes and political unrest.
Oladejo, further, raised concerns about Jonathan’s recent political activities, including his interactions with the APC and his apparent disengagement from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“His cross-party engagements raise questions about his political loyalty and clarity of purpose,” Oladejo said.
The APC underscored its commitment to advancing Nigeria through reforms and innovative leadership.
“Nigeria’s future lies not in revisiting the past but in embracing visionary governance grounded in integrity and resilience,” Oladejo asserted.
He urged Nigerians to prioritize transformative leadership over emotional appeals as the 2027 elections approach, adding, “Former President Jonathan is a respected figure, but legacies alone cannot shape the future. Let us move forward with boldness and clarity.”
