A former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has strongly advised former President Goodluck Jonathan against returning to the presidential race in 2027. Afegbua argued that such a move would erode Jonathan’s hard-earned democratic reputation and end in an embarrassing defeat against incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking with Daily Independent on Sunday, Afegbua recalled that Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in 2015 and hand over power to the late Muhammadu Buhari elevated his image globally. According to him, the peaceful transition, hailed both at home and abroad, remains one of Jonathan’s greatest achievements and earned him respect as a statesman.
Jonathan’s Democratic Credentials at Risk
Afegbua warned that those urging Jonathan to contest again were “selfish political scavengers” who stood to benefit personally while destroying Jonathan’s legacy. He noted that the goodwill Jonathan enjoyed internationally came from his humility in stepping down and not clinging to power.
“Jonathan’s action in 2015, where he accepted the election result without bloodshed, was a defining moment. It brought him global recognition and invitations to serve as an election observer, as well as numerous international awards and speaking engagements. If he throws his hat into the 2027 race, he risks eroding that unique legacy,” Afegbua stated.
He added that Nigeria had already moved beyond Jonathan’s era, insisting that his administration was marked by economic mismanagement that eventually led to his electoral defeat. “There was nothing extraordinary about his government. If Jonathan had performed excellently, he would not have lost in 2015,” he declared.
Tinubu’s Reforms Will Secure 2027 Victory
Afegbua expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s bold reforms were already stabilizing the economy and restoring investor confidence. He maintained that Tinubu’s achievements would guarantee his reelection on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“President Tinubu is consolidating the country’s economic trajectory. His policies are gradually creating stability and building the confidence of both local and foreign investors. That’s what Nigeria needs right now, decisive leadership, not a sentimental return to the Jonathan era,” he said.
Patience Jonathan’s Remark Signals Early Defeat
Afegbua also referenced a recent statement by former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, who pledged to campaign alongside Senator Oluremi Tinubu in 2027. He described the remark as a political signal that Jonathan’s defeat would begin from his home front if he attempted a comeback.
“When you hear Madam Patience Jonathan openly declare her support for the incumbent president and say she will campaign with Remi Tinubu, that should be enough warning. Jonathan should read the signs carefully; his political defeat will start from his household,” Afegbua noted.
“Avoid Political Perfidy”
In his closing remarks, Afegbua urged Jonathan to ignore sycophants pushing him toward what he described as “political perfidy.” He emphasized that while Jonathan may be regarded as a good man, governance required more than kindness, it required boldness, courage, and tough policy decisions.
“My honest advice is that Jonathan should walk away from those political opportunists and manipulators urging him on. He should look at the bigger picture and protect his legacy as a democrat. Governance is not about being nice; it’s about making the right policies and taking firm decisions for the good of the nation,” Afegbua concluded.
