Lamido: Why Goodluck Jonathan should not join 2027 politics

Former Governor of Jigawa State and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan against returning to active politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Lamido described Nigeria’s current political environment as “murky,” saying it is dominated by “unserious, self-seeking and self-serving characters.”

He argued that it would be inappropriate to draw Jonathan into a political contest so close to the nomination deadlines for the 2027 elections.

According to him, the former president occupies a respected position as a statesman and should preserve the dignity attached to that role rather than be involved in what he described as a desperate political struggle.

Lamido said Jonathan understands his status as a former leader, adding that he represents a “sovereign symbol” in Nigeria’s political history.

He further noted that the increasing calls for Jonathan’s return are largely driven by frustration over the country’s current challenges, rather than any clear ideological direction.

The PDP chieftain also argued that many political parties in the country lack firm ideological foundations, focusing mainly on the pursuit of power.

He said the growing demand for Jonathan to re-enter politics reflects a sense of helplessness and hopelessness among Nigerians.

While acknowledging the appeals, Lamido described them as “desperation calls” lacking depth and long-term vision.

He therefore urged the former president not to give in to what he called “ego-caress calls,” insisting that Jonathan should remain above partisan politics for now.