The Presidency has reacted to speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan joining the 2027 presidential race, affirming his constitutional right to contest but sharply criticizing his previous tenure.
In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said:
“Jonathan reserves the right to run if he wishes. President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race.”
However, Onanuga dismissed recent comments by Professor Jerry Gana, who suggested Jonathan could return under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defeat Tinubu, describing the claim as “wishful thinking.”
He accused the former president of leaving a legacy of economic mismanagement, including depleted reserves, diverted security funds, and poor handling of oil revenues between 2010 and 2015.
“Jonathan will have his date in the court of the land on his eligibility and his encounter with the people over his dismal record,” Onanuga said.
In contrast, the presidency touted Tinubu’s performance, noting GDP growth of 4.23% in Q2 2025, reduced inflation at 20.12%, fuel and forex reforms, and restored investor confidence.
“The nation has turned the corner. The PDP broke the economy; President Tinubu is fixing it,” Onanuga stated, warning that Nigerians would not allow “those who wrecked the country before to return and run it down again.”
The statement comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
