The Presidency says Jonathan may contest the 2027 elections, but the courts will decide his eligibility after serving two presidential terms.
The Presidency has reacted to reports suggesting that former President Goodluck Jonathan may contest the 2027 presidential election, stating that while Jonathan has the right to run, the judiciary will determine whether he is constitutionally qualified after serving two terms in the past.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, made this known in a statement on Monday. He explained that the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility would likely end up in court, given that the former leader was sworn in twice between 2010 and 2015.
Onanuga also responded to comments by former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, who recently declared support for Jonathan’s possible candidacy under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He cautioned that Jonathan should be mindful of political figures seeking to draft him into the race, warning that such alliances may not last.
While acknowledging Jonathan’s right to contest, the Presidency criticized aspects of his past administration, particularly the management of the economy, citing depletion of reserves and delayed salary payments in several states before the 2015 elections.
In contrast, the statement highlighted economic reforms under President Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of exchange rates, and infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. It noted recent improvements in GDP growth, inflation rates, and foreign reserves.
However, analysts say the debate over Jonathan’s potential candidacy raises larger constitutional and political questions. While some supporters believe he still has a role to play in Nigeria’s future, others argue that his past record and eligibility remain major hurdles.
Ultimately, if Jonathan decides to enter the race, it will fall to the courts to interpret the constitutional provisions and determine whether he can seek another term.