Former Jigawa State governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to stay away from the 2027 presidential race, warning against dragging the former Nigerian leader into what he described as the country’s “murky political arena.”
Lamido made his position known in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday amid growing speculation over Jonathan’s possible return to partisan politics.
The former governor said Jonathan occupies a unique position as a former president and global statesman and should preserve the dignity attached to that status rather than become entangled in the current political climate.
“Former President Jonathan understands his position in Nigeria as a leader in his capacity as a former President, thus making him a sovereign symbol. He is also in the rank of a global alumni of world leaders,” Lamido stated.
He argued that it would be “unfair and ill-opportune” to draw Jonathan into the political contest barely days before the close of nominations for the 2027 elections, especially within what he described as fragmented political parties lacking clear ideological direction.
According to Lamido, the recent calls urging Jonathan to contest were largely driven by national frustration and desperation over the country’s present condition rather than a well-thought-out political project.
“The call for President Jonathan to hop into the political arena, no matter how well intentioned, stems from the helplessness and hopelessness Nigeria has found itself,” he wrote.
While acknowledging the public goodwill Jonathan still enjoys among many Nigerians, Lamido cautioned the former president against yielding to what he termed “ego-caressing” appeals.
“For now, President Jonathan needs to maintain his dignified position as our sovereign ownership,” he added.
“While the call is appreciated, it is a desperation call lacking in any depth beyond being a ventilator of frustration. President Jonathan must not fall for this ego-caress call. We can save him for the future.”
Lamido’s comments come less than 24 hours after PDP chieftain Umar Sani claimed that Jonathan had already obtained the PDP presidential nomination form ahead of the 2027 election.
Sani, speaking during an appearance on Trust TV, said Jonathan was preparing to publicly submit the form, insisting the former president had effectively re-entered the race.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015, has not publicly declared his intention to contest the election. Since leaving office, he has largely focused on diplomatic engagements, democracy advocacy and peace-building missions across Africa.