In a surprising twist to Nigeria’s fast-heating 2027 contest, the Tinubu administration publicly acknowledged former President Goodluck Jonathan’s entry into the race, while simultaneously warning that Nigerians would not soon forget his past record.
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, although Jonathan is “free to contest if he wishes,” his governance record will be under intense scrutiny. Onanuga described Jonathan’s past administration as having lacked a “clear economic agenda,” accused it of “frivolous spending,” and blamed it for leaving the economy in dire straits.
The Presidency also challenged the motives of those urging Jonathan’s run, labeling them “sugar-coated cheerleaders” who may abandon him midstream as they allegedly did in 2015. Moreover, the statement noted constitutional questions regarding his eligibility, reminding the public that Jonathan has already been sworn in twice.
Jonathan’s return to the spotlight, triggered by remarks from Jerry Gana, has injected fresh energy into what many expected to be a more settled field. But the administration’s sharp rebuttal signals it will not retreat quietly — preparing for a heated battle of past records, constitutional arguments, and political narratives.