Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has issued a strong warning to former President Goodluck Jonathan not to yield to pressures urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking in Lagos during a media chat, the 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Lagos said Jonathan’s return would be a political miscalculation. According to him, it would be difficult — if not impossible — for Jonathan to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he described as a “political grandmaster.”
“This same Tinubu defeated Jonathan from the outside in 2015. Imagine what he’ll do now as an incumbent with full structure,” Jandor said.
He dismissed calls from some quarters pushing for Jonathan’s comeback, saying they were merely setting him up for political embarrassment.
Jandor, who leads the Lagos4Lagos Movement, also referenced Dame Patience Jonathan’s public appeal for her husband to remain in retirement.
“Mama Peace has spoken. And she’s right. Those pushing Jonathan to contest are not being sincere. He should enjoy his elder statesman role,” Jandor said.
He added that returning to the race would only lead to a humiliating defeat, as Tinubu’s political structure and current reforms have made him even more formidable.
Despite being a PDP chieftain, Jandor praised some of Tinubu’s recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, revenue allocations, and foreign exchange policies.
He noted that for the first time in years, states and local governments now receive tripled allocations and have enough resources to make a real impact at the grassroots.
“During Buhari’s time, states would return from FAAC meetings empty-handed. Now, they have funds. If they use it well, people’s lives will improve,” he explained.
He challenged state governors and LG chairmen to rise to the occasion and use their new wealth to reduce the suffering brought on by the reforms.
Jandor also lauded Tinubu’s handling of the foreign exchange market, which he said had blocked shady billionaires from exploiting currency loopholes.
While commending Tinubu, Jandor urged the Armed Forces to step up and help the President tackle Nigeria’s lingering security issues.
“Economic progress means nothing if people can’t sleep with both eyes closed,” he added.
