By Obinna Uballa
Former Governor of Jigawa and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against returning to partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lamido, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday, said Jonathan should preserve the dignity of his status as a former Nigerian leader rather than be drawn into what he described as the country’s troubled political environment.
The PDP stalwart’s remarks followed growing speculation about Jonathan’s possible presidential ambition after claims emerged that the former president had obtained a PDP nomination form for the 2027 election.
Reacting to the development, Lamido argued that Jonathan occupies a special position both within Nigeria and internationally, insisting that such stature should not be reduced by involvement in the current political struggle.
“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 described the ongoing calls for Jonathan to contest the presidency as emotional reactions rooted in public frustration over Nigeria’s current situation.
According to him, the country’s political parties remain fragmented and largely driven by the pursuit of power rather than ideology or national vision.
“It is unfair and ill-opportune to drag his person into the current murky political arena populated by unserious self-seeking and self-serving characters,” he said.
Lamido maintained that although many Nigerians may genuinely admire Jonathan and desire his return, such appeals lacked political depth and long-term strategic thinking.
“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 added.
The former governor further warned Jonathan not to succumb to flattery or political pressure.
“President Jonathan must not fall for this ego-caress call. We can save him for the future,” he wrote.
The comments came a day after PDP chieftain Umar Sani claimed during a television interview that Jonathan had already secured the party’s presidential nomination form and was preparing to formally submit it.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, is currently in court challenging a suit seeking to disqualify him from contesting for president, although he has yet to publicly confirm any intention to contest the 2027 election.
