Former Jigawa State governor and senior Peoples Democratic Party figure, Sule Lamido, has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to stay out of the 2027 presidential contest, describing current political activities in the country as deeply troubling and lacking ideological direction.
Lamido made the appeal in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday amid mounting speculation that Jonathan may be preparing to return to active politics.
The former governor said Jonathan should protect the prestige attached to his office as a former president rather than allow himself to be drawn into what he called a “murky political arena.”
According to Lamido, Jonathan remains a respected national and international figure whose stature transcends partisan politics.
“Former President Jonathan understands his position in Nigeria as a leader in his capacity as a former President thus making him a sovereign symbol. He is also in the rank of a global alumni of world leaders,” he stated.
He argued that the renewed calls for Jonathan to contest the presidency were largely expressions of public frustration over Nigeria’s current condition rather than a carefully thought-out political movement.
“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,” Lamido wrote.
He further criticised the state of political parties in the country, saying many had become platforms driven mainly by personal ambition and the struggle for power.
“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 barely a week to the closing of nomination of candidates,” he added.
Lamido also cautioned Jonathan against yielding to pressure from supporters urging him to rejoin frontline politics.
“President Jonathan must not fall for this ego-caress call. We can save him for the future,” he said.
The comments followed claims by PDP chieftain Umar Sani that Jonathan had obtained the PDP presidential nomination form ahead of the 2027 elections and was preparing to submit it publicly.
Jonathan, who governed Nigeria between 2010 and 2015, has not officially declared his intention to contest the presidency again. However, his name has continued to feature prominently in ongoing political consultations and coalition talks ahead of the next general election.
The former president is also involved in a legal battle over his eligibility to seek another term in office, with the matter expected to come up in court later this month.
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