Former President Goodluck Jonathan has pushed back against criticisms from Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and legal scholar, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, over talks of his potential 2027 presidential bid.
Keyamo and Odinkalu had warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against fielding Jonathan as a candidate, arguing that constitutional barriers could frustrate any attempt for him to return to Aso Rock.
But in a strongly worded response issued Monday through his brother, Azibaola Robert, Jonathan dismissed their concerns, describing them as unsolicited and unnecessary.
Robert, in a post on his verified Facebook page, wrote:
“Dear Festus Keyamo (SAN), Chidi Odinkalu (Prof.), I greet both of you. For the records, three of us are lawyers. We were all pro-democracy activists in the 90s, and I was a better activist than both of you combined.
Rule No. 1: Do not offer legal advice where none is solicited. GEJ (PDP) has numerous, more cerebral, more experienced SANs at his disposal who give him sound, unblemished professional legal advice.”
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He stressed that Jonathan remains “100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest, if he chooses to,” adding that if the former president decides against joining the race, it would not be due to eligibility issues.
In a lighter remark, Robert said: “This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though.”
While Jonathan has not formally declared his intention, the rumoured comeback has stirred debate within political circles, particularly on the implications for zoning and succession in 2027.
Analysts note that his possible return could complicate the South’s push to retain power, with several camps already positioning themselves for the race.
For now, Jonathan remains silent on his political future, but the heated exchanges underscore the battles looming ahead of the 2027 general elections.