Jonathan should stay out of 2027 race — Lamido

As political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to stay away from partisan political contests.

Political stakeholders have recently intensified calls for Jonathan to return to active politics, but Lamido described the appeals as misplaced and driven by desperation.

The former governor and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

Lamido warned that attempts to draw Jonathan back into active politics could undermine the former president’s reputation as a respected elder statesman.

He said Jonathan now occupies a distinguished position in Nigeria and globally as a former president whose status should not be diminished by involvement in current political disputes.

“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.

According to him, Jonathan has moved beyond the stage of active political contests and now belongs to the circle of globally respected former leaders.

The PDP chieftain said such figures deserve to have their dignity and status preserved rather than exposed to partisan political struggles.

Lamido also criticised the state of political parties in the country, saying many lack ideological direction and are focused mainly on gaining power ahead of 2027.

He argued that the renewed calls for Jonathan’s return are not driven by any coherent political agenda.

“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.

Lamido described the pressure on Jonathan as a “desperation call” reflecting public frustration over the country’s political and economic conditions.

He urged Jonathan to resist what he described as “ego-caressing” appeals from supporters and political actors seeking to use his name for political advantage.

“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 an important national figure whose future role, if any, should be carefully considered rather than hastily drawn into the 2027 political contest.(Punch)