The Presidency has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s record in office will be a major obstacle if he chooses to contest the 2027 presidential election. In a statement issued on Monday, presidential aides argued that Jonathan’s administration left behind what they described as a “woeful legacy” that Nigerians are unlikely to forget.
According to the Presidency, Jonathan’s years in power were marred by widespread insecurity, massive corruption scandals, and economic mismanagement, which it said weakened the nation’s institutions and hindered development. Officials insisted that such a track record would make it difficult for him to convince Nigerians that he deserves another chance at the helm of affairs.
The Presidency further accused Jonathan’s government of squandering opportunities that could have placed Nigeria on a stronger economic footing, pointing to the depletion of foreign reserves, fuel subsidy controversies, and mismanagement of the oil sector as examples. It stressed that voters in 2027 will evaluate candidates based not only on promises but also on past performance.
While acknowledging that Jonathan still commands influence in certain political circles, particularly in the South-South, the Presidency maintained that his credibility deficit at the national level will be a stumbling block. It urged Nigerians to be cautious of politicians seeking to return to power without addressing past failures.
Political analysts have noted that the remarks from the Presidency reflect the growing tension ahead of the 2027 elections, with different camps attempting to shape the narrative early. They observed that Jonathan, who has not officially declared any ambition, remains a figure of speculation in political calculations, especially given his role in mediating peace efforts across Africa since leaving office.
Reactions to the Presidency’s comments have been divided. Some supporters of the administration described the warning as a timely reminder of Nigeria’s past challenges, while Jonathan’s loyalists dismissed the criticisms as politically motivated and aimed at discrediting a potential rival.
As the 2027 race begins to gather momentum, the debate over Jonathan’s legacy and potential return to politics appears set to dominate discussions, highlighting the enduring impact of past administrations on Nigeria’s democratic future.
