Former presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Mathias Tsado, has said that Nigeria’s current challenges have left many citizens nostalgic for the leadership style of former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that the clamour for his return reflects the frustrations of a nation in distress.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Tsado likened Nigeria’s political journey from the Buhari administration to the present to moving “from frying pan to fire,” insisting that the people are justified in urging Jonathan to consider another run.
According to him, Jonathan remains one of the few Nigerian leaders who prioritised institutions over strongman politics, recalling that the former president kept his distance from the judiciary and the legislature while allowing democratic structures to function independently.
“Somebody said recently that Jonathan may have lost the election in 2015, but he gained the people. At the moment, I think that is what is working for him,” Tsado said.
“Yes, he has not declared that he wants to run, but for somebody like me, I am praying for a day that he would declare.”
Making a passionate appeal, Tsado urged Nigerians who have access to Jonathan to speak to him.
“Those that have his contact, those that have access to him, should speak to him that, look, at this point… please come around sir, because Nigerian people today, they need you. The thing is that nothing is working,” Tsado said.
He also dismissed arguments against Jonathan’s eligibility, saying legal concerns could be addressed if the former president decides to contest.
He also faulted critics, including some lawmakers and former Senator Shehu Sani, who cautioned against Jonathan’s return, insisting they fail to grasp the hardship faced by millions of families.
“There are families in this country today who cannot guarantee what they will eat this morning. People making calls against Jonathan’s return do not understand the pains Nigerians are going through,” he stressed.
The former ADP candidate, however, acknowledged that Nigeria’s broader governance problem lies in the weakness of institutions. Yet, he maintained that Jonathan’s leadership style remains appealing to many Nigerians who feel short-changed by successive administrations.
