Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed mounting calls for him to return to the presidential race in 2027, insisting he has no intention of contesting against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Jonathan, who handed over power in 2015 after losing his re-election bid, said he had already played his part in Nigeria’s leadership and would not allow himself to be “drawn into selfish schemes” that could undermine the South’s political opportunity to complete its eight-year cycle in power before rotation returns to the North.
“I am done with presidential contest,” Jonathan reportedly said, stressing that he is determined to allow others to play their roles. “I have played my part in Nigeria’s leadership and will not be part of any move that could derail the South’s turn in power.”
The former president’s response comes amid growing speculation and pressure from some political interests urging him to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. Jonathan, however, described such calls as not only misplaced but also detrimental to the stability of the country’s power-sharing arrangement.
With this clarification, Jonathan appears to have drawn a definitive line on his political future, effectively shutting the door on any comeback bid.
