The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned those pushing for former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Thursday night, Wike said such campaigns could plunge Nigeria into political crisis.
He described the move as “hypocritical,” recalling how many of the same voices abandoned Jonathan during his 2015 re-election bid.
“Anybody saying Jonathan should return because he will only do one term is only looking for a crisis,” Wike said. “These are the same people who frustrated him in 2015. Jonathan has made a name globally; they just want to drag him back into unnecessary conflict.”
Tinubu’s Reforms and Nigeria’s Economic Hardship
On Nigeria’s economic challenges, Wike admitted that citizens are facing tough times but insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s policies are “tough but necessary” to reset the economy.
“Yes, there is hardship, I agree. But no one can deny that this government is making efforts. The projects in Abuja daily show something is happening,” he argued.
He dismissed Atiku Abubakar’s recent warning of a looming revolution over hunger and poverty, accusing the former Vice President of hypocrisy.
“Atiku was vice president for eight years. Why didn’t he lay the foundation to prevent hunger then? Now he keeps talking about hunger and revolution,” Wike stated.
PDP’s Search for a 2027 Candidate
The debate over Jonathan’s return has been gaining ground within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In August, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed revealed that the party was considering Jonathan and Peter Obi as potential flag bearers for the 2027 elections.
Mohammed described Jonathan as “one of the most celebrated politicians in Nigeria today” and said the PDP would welcome him back if he decided to contest.
But Wike insists reviving Jonathan’s candidacy under the promise of a “one-term presidency” is a dangerous political gamble.
