2027: Adeyanju Cautions Jonathan Over Potential Comeback Bid

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has voiced his concerns about former President Goodluck Jonathan's potential return to active presidential politics, citing the country's fragile and divided political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Adeyanju expressed his worries in an open letter to Jonathan dated June 3, 2026, in which he stated that the former president's possible participation in the 2027 elections could have a negative impact on his legacy.

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Despite holding Jonathan in high regard, Adeyanju cautioned that returning to frontline politics at this time may not be beneficial, and he felt compelled to speak candidly about the concerns surrounding Jonathan's intended return to active presidential politics.

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Adeyanju warned that Nigeria's current political climate is unstable and could complicate any fresh attempt by the former president to contest, and the electoral process itself could attract controversy capable of affecting Jonathan's international reputation.

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As someone with a global standing and respect both at home and abroad, Adeyanju advised Jonathan to reconsider subjecting himself to the roughness of another electoral contest, which may not serve his legacy well.

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Instead, Adeyanju suggested that Jonathan continue serving as an elder statesman, exercising his influence through guidance and counsel rather than electoral ambition, and hoped that he would consider stepping away from any such ambition.

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The development comes amid reports that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki had allegedly cleared Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Internal party dynamics remain unsettled, and a source close to Jonathan's camp had earlier suggested that discussions were ongoing over the platform with the best chances for a possible return to the presidency.