Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has cautioned against increasing calls urging former President Goodluck Jonathan to re-enter active partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such pressure as misplaced and driven largely by frustration over Nigeria’s current political and economic challenges.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Lamido argued that Jonathan occupies a distinct position as a former Nigerian leader and should not be pulled back into what he described as a “murky political arena” dominated by self-serving actors.
He maintained that the former president has already earned recognition as a respected global statesman and should be allowed to preserve that dignity.
“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,” Lamido stated.
The former governor also took a swipe at Nigeria’s political party system, saying many parties lack ideology and are instead focused solely on capturing power ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the renewed agitation for Jonathan’s return is not necessarily rooted in a structured political plan, but rather reflects growing public frustration over the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions.
“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 wrote.
Lamido further cautioned that Jonathan should be wary of what he termed “ego-caressing” appeals from political actors and supporters encouraging him to contest again.
“While the call is appreciated, it is a desperation call lacking in any depth beyond being a ventilator of frustration,” he added.
He stressed that the former president remains a significant national figure whose potential political involvement, if any, should be carefully weighed rather than rushed into the heated build-up to the 2027 elections.
