The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned against the potential candidacy of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential elections, describing it as a move that could plunge the country into constitutional crisis and political instability.
In a statement on Friday, the party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, said that while the APC recognises Jonathan’s role in facilitating a peaceful transition of power in 2015, Nigeria must not be swayed by nostalgia or sentimental politics.
“Let it be clear: good luck alone is not a governance strategy,” Oladejo said.
He accused Jonathan’s administration (2010–2015) of leaving behind a legacy of unchecked corruption but did not provide any evidence.
He also accused the former president of presiding over economic stagnation, and widespread insecurity, citing the fuel subsidy scandal and the Chibok girls’ abduction as defining failures of his tenure.
Oladejo also raised legal questions regarding Jonathan’s eligibility to contest, pointing to constitutional limitations and the potential for divisive legal battles should he enter the race.
“While some may look back on those years with rose-tinted glasses, we must remind ourselves that nostalgia is not a policy platform. Emotion cannot drive economic reform, and sentimentality will not fix power generation, insecurity, youth unemployment, or education sector decay.
“We also note the constitutional and political complications of a potential Jonathan candidacy. Having completed more than one term in office, any return bid will inevitably trigger legal contention and political instability — distractions Nigeria can ill afford in a time when decisive action is needed across all sectors of national life,” he noted.
In addition to legal concerns, Oladejo criticised Jonathan’s recent political manoeuvring, particularly his ambiguous political affiliations.
He questioned his loyalty and intentions, citing his failure to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s rebuilding efforts and his overtures to the APC in recent years.
“The former president’s political relevance has been complicated by his recent engagements across party lines. His flirtation with the APC and absence from PDP’s strategic rebuilding efforts raise questions about his loyalty, clarity of vision, and political intentions,” Oladejo said.
Reaffirming his party’s commitment to forward-thinking governance, Oladejo emphasised the need for fresh leadership that reflects the aspirations of Nigeria’s youthful population.
While acknowledging Jonathan’s place as a respected elder statesman, the APC stressed that legacies are not manifestoes, and nostalgia is not governance, urging Nigerians to reject what he described as emotional shortcuts.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the APC remains focused on consolidating progress, implementing reforms, and engaging the Nigerian electorate with fresh ideas and credible candidates who reflect the aspirations of a dynamic, youthful population.
“We believe the future of Nigeria does not lie in recycled leadership but in visionary governance rooted in integrity, innovation, and resilience.
“Former President Jonathan remains a respected elder statesman. His legacy as a peaceful democrat is assured. But legacies are not manifestoes, and nostalgia is not governance.
“We urge Nigerians to reject emotional shortcuts and stay focused on the need for capable, accountable, and transformative leadership. As 2027 approaches, let us not reach backwards in desperation, but move forward with courage and clarity,” he said.
Calls for Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election—particularly from northern groups—have been gaining momentum in recent months.
In April, Dr. Jibril Mustapha, President of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and former head of the Buhari Youth Organisation, publicly urged Jonathan to run, describing him as a unifying figure capable of steering the nation toward a better future.
More recently, the advocacy group Bring Back Our Goodluck renewed the call during an event in Kano.
The group argued that Nigerians were “misled in 2015” when they voted Jonathan out of office and appealed for his return to leadership.
