Presidency Welcomes Jonathan To 2027 Presidential Race

The Presidency on Monday reacted to speculations surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return to the political arena, noting that it is his constitutional right to seek office in the 2027 elections. The statement, however, framed Jonathan’s record in government as a major liability, insisting that Nigerians will not easily forget the economic downturn experienced during his administration.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described the atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections as one marked by intense maneuvering from the opposition, who he said are desperate to find a unifying candidate. Among those pushing for Jonathan’s return is former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Jerry Gana, who has suggested that the ex-president could reclaim power on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Jonathan’s Record Under Scrutiny

The Presidency positioned Jonathan’s possible candidacy within a broader criticism of his years in office. It argued that under his leadership between 2010 and 2015, the economy suffered from depleted reserves, mismanagement of oil revenues, and widespread diversion of funds. According to the account, Jonathan inherited over $66 billion in reserves and excess crude funds in 2010 but left office with less than half of that amount despite record oil sales.

By the end of his administration, federal workers were owed salaries, while nearly 30 states across the federation struggled with wage arrears. The government also accused the Jonathan era of failing to maintain fiscal discipline despite crude prices averaging $100 per barrel for much of his presidency. The claims highlight that revenues from the oil boom years were poorly utilised, leaving the economy weakened when global prices eventually fell.

The administration further recalled controversies involving the alleged diversion of security funds under Jonathan’s leadership, as well as accusations of arbitrage in the foreign exchange market, which saw billions of dollars allocated for fuel imports diverted elsewhere. These lapses, according to the Presidency, contributed to the country’s economic instability and deepened public distrust in governance.

Tinubu’s Reforms And The Road To 2027

In contrast, President Bola Tinubu’s government was presented as having reversed the damage through bold reforms. The Presidency outlined measures such as the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of exchange rates, and renewed focus on infrastructure as evidence of recovery. Official figures cited included a GDP growth rate of 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, inflation reduced to 20.12%, and foreign reserves standing at $42 billion.

The narrative stressed that investor confidence has returned, with projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway positioned as proof of visible development gains. The Presidency argued that these improvements mark a sharp departure from the stagnation of previous years, noting that security challenges are also being addressed through renewed investments in critical areas.

As preparations for the next general elections intensify, the Presidency made clear that while Jonathan has the freedom to run, his eligibility may still be tested in court, given debates about constitutional term limits. Beyond the legal arguments, however, the greater challenge highlighted was whether Nigerians would embrace a return to leadership they had once rejected at the ballot box.

The message concluded with a warning that the electorate would not easily hand back control to a leader blamed for economic hardship in the past. Instead, the Presidency insisted that the reforms currently underway have put the nation on the path of stability and growth, a record it believes will be central to the ruling party’s campaign in 2027.

In framing Jonathan’s possible candidacy, the Tinubu administration has therefore sought to position itself as both open to competition and confident that the verdict of history will work in its favour. With the political stage already heating up two years before the polls, the contest appears set to revive old debates about governance, accountability, and the future direction of Africa’s most populous nation.

See also: Court halts PENGASSAN and others from supplying to Dangote