‘Keep off,’ Anglican Primate advises Jonathan against 2027 presidential bid
Anglican Primate Advises Goodluck Jonathan Against 2027 Presidential Bid
The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to refrain from seeking the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Ndukuba presented his counsel during an address at the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja on Saturday. He expressed concern that a return to partisan politics might undermine Jonathan’s reputation and the global respect he has garnered.
The archbishop characterized Jonathan as a significant figure in Nigeria’s democratic history, citing his notable concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election as a mark of democratic maturity and peaceful leadership.
“We don’t want you to spoil that good name,” Ndukuba implored, urging Jonathan to maintain a position of seniority and humility. “Be the senior citizen that you should be.”
Acknowledging Jonathan’s contributions not only to Nigeria but to the West African region and the African continent, Ndukuba described him as a beacon of hope who exemplifies civil leadership and integrity.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), lost the 2015 election to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His early concession call to Buhari, made before official results were announced, was widely lauded for preventing potential post-election unrest in the country.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has emerged as a notable international statesman, frequently leading election observation missions and peace mediation initiatives across Africa on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).
Despite his prominent role as a statesman, speculation regarding Jonathan’s possible return to politics continues.
