Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, also known as Jandor, has warned former President Goodluck Jonathan against contesting the 2027 presidential election, saying a bid would involve serious political risk.
Speaking in Lagos on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Jandor said Jonathan would likely be “reduced to a minnow” by incumbent President Bola Tinubu at the polls. He added that those encouraging Jonathan to run were deceiving him and that the former president should remain in retirement.
“Tinubu is a master in the game of politics,” Jandor argued, stating that no one could defeat the current president in 2027. He questioned claims that Jonathan’s popularity and experience alone could challenge Tinubu, pointing out that it was Tinubu who once defeated Jonathan from “the outside.”
Jandor said that the nature of a candidate’s rise to the presidency matters: “It is different from somebody who just slept and woke up and found himself in the seat of the President.” He warned that a defeat would be humiliating and urged Jonathan to heed the counsel of his wife, Patience, who has also spoken against a 2027 run.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a strong and determined performance since taking office, particularly highlighting the administration’s economic reforms aimed at stabilising the nation and attracting investment. According to him, these policies, though initially challenging, are beginning to yield visible results and should be allowed to mature for the benefit of all Nigerians. He urged citizens to remain patient and supportive of the president’s vision, adding that with sustained progress and consistency, Tinubu was in a favourable position to seek reelection and consolidate on his achievements.
Jandor was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Lagos in 2023 and leads the Lagos4Lagos Movement.
Discussions about Jonathan’s return to active politics have been contentious. While the presidency has affirmed that Jonathan is free to contest, it also cautioned Nigerians against forgetting what it called his “dismal record” in office.
Earlier, Jonathan’s eligibility to run was questioned on constitutional grounds, given that he was sworn in twice.
Africa Digital News, New York
