The Presidency has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s performance in office remains his greatest political liability as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday by a senior aide, the Presidency said while Jonathan is free to exercise his democratic rights, his past record in governance will be a major stumbling block if he chooses to return to the political stage.
The statement read in part:
>Dr. Jonathan had his opportunity to reposition Nigeria, but his administration was marked by missed chances, rampant insecurity, and widespread corruption allegations. These facts are still fresh in the minds of Nigerians. Any attempt to rebrand him as a solution for 2027 will face the reality of his dismal record.”
The Presidency further noted that Nigerians are still dealing with the consequences of policy failures during Jonathan’s tenure, stressing that the electorate is more enlightened and unlikely to overlook “years of economic drift and weak leadership.”
While acknowledging that Jonathan played a role in stabilizing the democratic process by peacefully conceding power in 2015, the statement argued that one good gesture cannot overshadow what it described as “a legacy of underperformance.”
Political observers see the comments as an early attempt to shape the narrative ahead of 2027, amid speculation that Jonathan could be drafted into the race by powerful political blocs seeking consensus leadership.
Reactions from Jonathan’s camp have been muted, though some of his allies insist that history will judge him more kindly, citing infrastructural projects and his respect for democratic institutions.
For now, the Presidency’s remarks signal that Jonathan’s potential comeback will not go unchallenged, as ruling party strategists brace for a fierce political contest in 2027.
Follow us on all social media platforms @dailyquery for news and analyses around the globe.
