Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to steer clear of partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that renewed calls for his return are misguided and politically motivated.
Lamido, a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his position in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 20, amid growing political pressure from various stakeholders urging Jonathan to re-enter active politics.
He argued that such appeals are driven more by desperation than genuine political strategy, adding that they risk damaging the former president’s reputation as a respected statesman both in Nigeria and internationally.
According to him, Jonathan has already earned a distinguished place in history and should not be drawn back into what he described as a turbulent and self-serving political environment.
“It is unfair and ill-opportune to drag his person into the current murky political arena populated by unserious, self-seeking and self-serving characters,” Lamido stated.
He stressed that Jonathan now belongs to the category of global elder statesmen whose dignity should be protected rather than exposed to partisan contest.
Lamido also criticised the broader political landscape, saying many parties in the country lack ideology and are primarily focused on gaining power ahead of the next election cycle.
READ ALSO: Court Fixes April 1 For Lamido Fresh Arraignment
He maintained that the renewed campaign for Jonathan’s return does not stem from a structured or principled political agenda.
“The call for President Jonathan to hop into the political arena, no matter how well-intentioned, stems from the helplessness and hopelessness Nigeria has found itself in,” he wrote.
Describing the mounting pressure as emotional rather than strategic, Lamido said it reflects widespread frustration over Nigeria’s current political and economic realities.
He urged Jonathan to ignore what he called “ego-caressing” appeals from individuals seeking to leverage his name for political advantage.
“While the call is appreciated, it is a desperation call lacking in any depth beyond being a ventilator of frustration,” the former governor added.
Lamido concluded that while Jonathan remains an influential national figure, any future role he may play should be carefully considered and not tied to partisan ambitions for 2027.