Wike Cautions Against Jonathan’s 2027 Presidential Bid
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning against calls urging former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, stressing that such moves could trigger political instability.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme on Thursday night, Wike described the campaign as “hypocritical”, noting that many of the same figures promoting Jonathan’s comeback had abandoned him during his failed 2015 re-election bid.
“Anybody saying Jonathan should return because he will only do one term is only looking for a crisis. These are the same people who frustrated him in 2015. Why now? Jonathan has made a name for himself globally, and they just want to drag him into unnecessary conflict,” Wike stated.
“One-Term Presidency” Plot a Threat to Nigeria’s Stability
The FCT Minister argued that fronting Jonathan—or any southern candidate—under the guise of a “one-term presidency” was a ploy lacking sincerity and a potential threat to Nigeria’s fragile political balance.
Wike on Tinubu’s Government and Current Hardship
Acknowledging the economic hardship facing Nigerians, Wike maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had taken tough but necessary decisions to reposition the economy.
“Yes, there is hardship, I agree. But no one can deny that this government is making efforts to improve things. I see the projects in Abuja daily; they are evidence that something is happening,” he said.
Atiku’s Warning on Hunger Dismissed as Hypocrisy
Wike also dismissed recent warnings by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar about a looming revolution over hunger and poverty, accusing him of double standards.
“Atiku was vice president for eight years. Why didn’t he lay the foundation to prevent hunger then? Now he keeps talking about hunger and revolution. For me, I don’t even bother reading what he says, because there is no truth in it,” Wike added.
He stressed that while Nigerians must remain patient with the Tinubu administration, opposition figures should not exploit the nation’s economic challenges for political gain.
PDP Eyes Jonathan and Obi for 2027 Presidential Ticket
There has been growing speculation over Jonathan’s possible return to active politics ahead of 2027.
In August, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was considering both Jonathan and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as potential candidates for its 2027 presidential ticket.
Mohammed described Jonathan as “one of the most celebrated politicians in Nigeria today” and stressed that the party would welcome him back if he decided to run.
“Certainly, former President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are considering if he joins us and opens his mind to run,” Mohammed said.
