Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has issued a sharp warning over growing calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to return to active partisan politics ahead of the 2027 elections. In a Facebook post, Lamido described the push as a symptom of national frustration rather than a serious political solution.
Lamido's Concerns
Lamido argued that the renewed agitation for Jonathan's comeback is being fueled by a deepening sense of hopelessness within Nigeria's political landscape. He cautioned that dragging Jonathan back into frontline politics would expose a former head of state, who currently enjoys global respect as a statesman, to a murky arena dominated by power struggles rather than ideology or national vision.
Preserving Statesman Status
The former governor stressed that Jonathan's position as a former President places him in a rare category of global elder statesmen, whose influence is best preserved outside partisan contestation. He warned that the current political climate is too fragmented and self-serving to justify emotional calls for a comeback.
Institutional Solutions Needed
While acknowledging the sincerity behind public yearning for stronger leadership, Lamido insisted that Nigeria's crisis cannot be solved by personality returns, but through rebuilding institutions, restoring political discipline, and redefining party ideology beyond mere power acquisition.
Peter Obi on NDC Screening
Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi described the screening conducted by the Nigeria Democratic Congress as democracy in action. Speaking after appearing before the screening committee chaired by Sam Egwu, Obi said the exercise reflected the party's commitment to due process and accountability.
"This is democracy in action because the NDC chooses to do things properly. So, when we say this is going to be a screening, it has to be done right," Obi said. He added that Nigerians want to know whether candidates meet constitutional qualifications and provide relevant documents to back their claims.
Obi dismissed speculations that he had emerged as the party's consensus presidential candidate, insisting that the process remained open and democratic. He commended the NDC for conducting a transparent screening process.
Reacting to reports that Jonathan may join the presidential race, Obi said he was not preoccupied with potential opponents but focused on rebuilding the country.
