APC warns that former President Jonathan lacks the political relevance and capacity to unseat President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections
All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed suggestions that former President Goodluck Jonathan could successfully challenge the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the 2027 general elections.
The party expressed doubts over Jonathan’s continued political relevance and ability to mobilize sufficient national support to unseat the current president.
Former President Jonathan, who lost his reelection bid in 2025 to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is reportedly being encouraged by a segment of his supporters to contest the 2027 polls.
According to political sources, the push for his return is being championed by a coalition of influential statesmen, senior political figures, and party elders who argue that Jonathan’s tenure contributed to relative economic stability and national cohesion—qualities they claim are in short supply under the Tinubu administration.
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However, the APC, through its Lagos State Spokesman, Seye Oladejo, has strongly refuted these claims.
In a statement released on Friday, Oladejo acknowledged Jonathan’s contribution to the peaceful democratic transition in 2015, noting that the former president’s efforts during that period earned him widespread recognition both within Nigeria and internationally.
“While we commend former President Jonathan for his role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, we must emphasize that the country has moved beyond politics rooted in sentiment, nostalgia, and symbolism,” Oladejo said.
He stressed that the challenges facing Nigeria today demand leadership that is bold, innovative, and results-oriented.
“The nation requires forward-looking governance capable of addressing complex issues such as economic reform, national security, and social development—not a return to the comfort of a past administration that, while notable, was far from perfect,” he added.
“Good luck alone is not a governance strategy, and nostalgia is not a substitute for policy.”
Oladejo further criticized the Jonathan administration, pointing out that between 2010 and 2015, the country faced structural weaknesses, including entrenched corruption, rising insecurity, and economic stagnation.
“Many may look back on those years through rose-tinted glasses, but sentiment cannot drive development,” he said.
“Emotional attachment to past leadership will not fix critical sectors such as power generation, youth employment, education, or national security.
“Attempting a return to office after completing more than one term risks legal challenges and political instability, distractions Nigeria cannot afford at a time when decisive action is urgently required.”
The APC spokesman also questioned Jonathan’s current political positioning, highlighting his recent cross-party engagements and his absence from the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) ongoing strategic restructuring.
“These moves raise serious questions about his political loyalty, clarity of vision, and long-term intentions,” Oladejo noted.
“The future of Nigeria should be built on visionary leadership defined by integrity, accountability, and innovation—not on recycled leadership or sentiment-driven politics.”
Despite these criticisms, Oladejo recognized Jonathan’s standing as a respected elder statesman and his legacy as a peaceful democrat.
“Former President Jonathan’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey is undeniable, and his legacy is secure.
“However, legacies alone cannot replace policy frameworks, and nostalgia cannot serve as a governance blueprint,” he said.
He concluded with a call for Nigerians to prioritize competent and transformative leadership over emotional appeals: “As the 2027 general elections approach, the nation must avoid looking backward in desperation.
“What Nigeria needs now is courage, clarity, and leadership that can meet today’s challenges while preparing for a sustainable future.”
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