The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan can’t defeat President Bola Tinubu if he decides to run in the 2027 election.

The party submitted that Nigeria has moved beyond the politics of sentiment, nostalgia, and symbolism, which is representative of Jonathan’s electoral appeal.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, made the declaration in a statement released on Friday, amid speculation that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is persuading Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidency on its platform.

Oladejo, however, submitted that while Jonathan gained prominence and respect both in Nigeria and abroad for peacefully conceding the 2015 election even as a sitting president, his style of governance is not what the country needs at the moment.

“While we acknowledge the former president’s role in the peaceful democratic transition of 2015 — an act that rightly earned him praise at home and abroad — we must state, in clear terms, that Nigeria has since moved beyond the politics of sentiment, nostalgia, and symbolism.

“The challenges of today and the future require bold, capable, and forward-thinking leadership — not a return to the comfort of a past that was far from perfect.

“Let it be clear: good luck alone is not a governance strategy,” he said.

Oladejo alleged that Jonathan left behind a country grappling with severe structural weaknesses in 2015 because he lacked a firm grip on the nation’s security and economy.

“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,” the APC chieftain said.

He added that Jonathan’s possible return in 2027 may throw up some unnecessary constitutional issues since he has completed more than one term in office, having completed the tenure of his former principal, Umaru Yar’Adua, who unfortunately died in office.

He added that Jonathan no longer has strong party affiliations.

“Moreover, 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.

Nigeria Must Avoid Emotions

The APC chieftain urged Nigerians not to play politics with emotions, but to vote for an individual who has demonstrated the capacity to take bold and difficult decisions in the country’s interest.

“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,” Oladejo said.