The Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that former President Goodluck Jonathan may contest the 2027 election, stressing that his past record would face legal and political scrutiny.
The response came after former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, claimed Jonathan would run on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement issued on Monday, September 29, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Jonathan reserves the right to contest but Nigerians would not forget his performance in office.
“Don’t get us wrong: President Jonathan reserves the right to run if he wishes. It is his inalienable right to contest the presidency again.
President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race. But Jonathan will have his date in the court of the land,” Onanuga stated.
According to Onanuga, PDP leaders are attempting to lure Jonathan back into the race for selfish reasons.
He described Gana’s suggestion that Jonathan could defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027 as “delusional” and “comedic.”
The statement argued that Jonathan’s administration, which lasted six years, left behind corruption, waste, and economic decline.
It recalled that Jonathan inherited $66 billion in foreign reserves in 2010 but reduced the figure to under $32 billion by 2015, despite record-high oil prices.
“By December 2014, the Jonathan-led Federal Government could no longer pay salaries to Federal Civil Servants.
At least 28 states across the country owed workers huge salary arrears,” the Presidency noted.
It also accused Jonathan’s government of mismanaging security funds, pointing at the case of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), who was alleged to have distributed billions meant for arms procurement.
Meanwhile, Onanuga contrasted Jonathan’s record with Tinubu’s economic reforms since assuming office.
He pointed out that Tinubu has taken bold decisions such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and reforms to restore investor confidence.
“The nation has turned the corner. Our people have started reaping the gains of the bold reforms instituted by the Tinubu administration,” the statement said.
He added that GDP growth rose to 4.23% in Q2 2025, inflation dropped to its lowest in three years at 20.12% in August, and foreign reserves increased to $42.03 billion.
The Presidency also listed road projects, security interventions, and other reforms as proof that Nigeria was moving in a positive direction.
However, beyond politics, Onanuga emphasized that Jonathan’s eligibility would likely face constitutional tests since he has already been sworn in twice as President.
