A Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has argued that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s reputation and international standing should be protected and advised he should not to return to active presidential politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
Mr. Adeyanju made this known in an open letter to the former President released on Wednesday June 3 on his 𝕏 handle.
The Human Rights lawyer in the letter, said Nigeria’s current political environment was already fragile and warned that participation in another presidential contest could expose the former President to unnecessary controversy.
According to him, the political platform being linked to Jonathan appeared unstable and divided.
“Nigeria’s current political climate is already fragile, and the PDP platform you are being linked with appears increasingly unstable and divided,” he wrote.
The activist said subjecting himself to another election cycle could risk diminishing the statesmanlike image he has built since he left office.
“As someone with your global standing and the respect you continue to command both at home and abroad, I worry that subjecting yourself to the roughness of another electoral contest at this moment may not serve your legacy well,” Adeyanju stated.
Mr. Adeyanju urged the former president to continue serving the country and the continent through advisory and statesmanlike roles rather than electoral politics.
“I sincerely hope you will consider stepping away from any such ambition and continue to serve in the higher role of an elder statesman on the continent whose influence is felt through guidance and wisdom, rather than electoral contest,” he added.
A faction of the PDP led by Tanimu Turaki reportedly affirmed Jonathan as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
