-SEB EDITORIAL-
A Statesman’s Silence: The Growing Call for
Goodluck Jonathan’s Return in 2027
In the quiet corridors of Nigerian politics, a familiar name is echoing once again, Goodluck Jonathan. Nearly a decade after his historic concession in the 2015 presidential election, the former president finds himself at the center of renewed speculation and mounting pressure from within his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to re-enter the political arena for the 2027 elections.
The calls
have grown louder, not just from party loyalists but from influential figures
like Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who recently described Jonathan as
“one of the most celebrated politicians today.” Mohammed’s remarks, made during
a televised interview, were more than flattery, they were a strategic overture.
He suggested that if Jonathan were to open his mind to the possibility of
running, the PDP would welcome him with open arms. Alongside Jonathan, other
potential candidates like former Governor Peter Obi are also being considered,
signaling the party’s intent to field a heavyweight contender capable of
galvanizing national support.
Yet, amid
the buzz, one voice remains notably restrained: Reno Omokri. A former media
aide and close confidant of Jonathan, Omokri has refused to comment publicly on
the matter. His silence speaks volumes. “I have an unconditional love for
President Jonathan,” he said during an appearance on Channels Television’s
Politics Today. “So I will not criticise or give an opinion on anything he does
on live television.” Omokri’s deep personal bond with Jonathan, he recounted
how the former president once spent ten days with his family in California, underscores
the complexity of the situation. This isn’t just politics; it’s personal.
Jonathan’s
political status remains ambiguous. Though he has distanced himself from active
partisan engagement since his 2015 defeat, he has never formally resigned from
the PDP. This quiet loyalty has kept the door ajar for a potential comeback,
allowing party leaders to court him without procedural obstacles. His legacy as
a stabilizing figure, especially his peaceful handover of power, continues to
resonate both domestically and internationally. In a country often marred by
electoral tension, Jonathan’s statesmanship remains a rare and cherished
example of democratic maturity.
However,
the political landscape has evolved dramatically since his departure. The rise
of youth-driven movements, economic frustrations, and growing insecurity have
reshaped voter expectations. Figures like Peter Obi have captured the
imagination of younger Nigerians, many of whom view Jonathan’s era through a
lens of nostalgia mixed with critique. For Jonathan to mount a successful
return, he would need to reintroduce himself, not as a relic of the past, but
as a visionary capable of addressing today’s challenges.
A
hypothetical campaign speech might reflect this delicate balance. It would
likely begin with a reflection on his legacy, emphasizing his belief in
democracy and peaceful transition. He might then pivot to the present,
acknowledging the nation’s struggles and pledging to serve not out of ambition,
but out of duty. The speech would call for unity, justice, and opportunity, values
that transcend party lines and speak to the soul of a nation yearning for
renewal.
Whether
Jonathan will heed the call remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: his name
still carries weight, and his silence has only amplified the intrigue. In the
theater of Nigerian politics, the former president stands at the edge of the
stage, with the spotlight slowly turning his way. Whether he steps forward or
remains in the wings will shape not just the PDP’s future, but the nation’s
path in 2027 and beyond.
Perhaps, a mock
campaign speech that imagines how Goodluck might position himself if he chooses
to re-enter the race in 2027:
Mock Campaign Speech: “A New Chapter
for Nigeria”
Delivered
at a PDP National Convention, Abuja
My fellow Nigerians,
Ten years ago, I stepped away from the presidency
with a simple belief: that democracy must be stronger than any individual. I
left not because I was defeated, but because I believed in the will of the
people.
Today, I stand before you not as a man seeking
power, but as a servant answering a call. A call from mothers who want safety
for their children. From farmers who want to harvest without fear. From youth
who dream of a Nigeria that rewards their talent, not their connections.
I hear you. I see you. And I am ready.
Our nation is rich, not just in oil or minerals, but
in spirit, resilience, and hope. But hope alone cannot build roads, create
jobs, or secure our borders. We need leadership that listens, that learns, and
that leads with humility.
Under my watch, Nigeria witnessed peaceful
transitions, economic growth, and global respect. But I know we can do better.
We must do better.
So today, I declare: I am ready to serve again. Not
to relive the past, but to rewrite our future.
Let us build a Nigeria where every child, north or
south, Christian or Muslim, can dream without limits. Let us build a nation
where justice is not delayed, and opportunity is not denied.
Together, we will rise. Together, we will rebuild.
Together, we will renew the promise of Nigeria.
Thank you, and may God bless our great nation.
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