Jonathan Lost In 2015, Only His Enemy Wants Him To Contest 2027 Election - Oshiomhole

Oshiomhole Warns Jonathan: “Only His Enemy Wants Him to Contest 2027”

In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics,” Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State and a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), issued a pointed warning to former President Goodluck Jonathan regarding the 2027 presidential election.

Oshiomhole argued that any push for Jonathan to re-enter the political arena is not in his best interest and would only serve the agenda of those who do not wish him well.

Oshiomhole emphasized that Jonathan’s defeat in the 2015 presidential election, despite being the incumbent and leading the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its peak, was a clear indication that his political strength had waned. He stated that the APC, under President Bola Tinubu, would easily defeat Jonathan again if he chose to run. According to Oshiomhole, the political landscape has shifted significantly since Jonathan left office, particularly in the South-South region, which he claimed is no longer a PDP stronghold.

The former APC chairman praised Jonathan’s legacy, especially his historic concession speech in 2015, which included the memorable line: “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.” Oshiomhole urged Jonathan to preserve this legacy by remaining a respected statesman rather than re-entering the political fray. He suggested that Jonathan has already found relevance and peace outside of power, and that returning to contest would risk tarnishing the goodwill he has earned globally for his peaceful exit from office.

Oshiomhole also touched on the broader implications of Jonathan’s potential candidacy. He noted that while some PDP chieftains have been courting Jonathan to run again, such a move could raise constitutional questions about his eligibility, given that he has been sworn in twice, once after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and again after winning the 2011 election.

Moreover, critics like Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Tinubu, have argued that Jonathan’s record in office remains a point of contention and could hinder his chances.

In summary, Oshiomhole’s message was clear: Jonathan’s return to presidential politics would not only be strategically unwise but also detrimental to the legacy he has carefully built since leaving office.

The former governor urged Jonathan to resist any pressure to contest, framing such encouragement as the work of adversaries rather than allies.