LagosExplorer reports: Human rights activist and political commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has put an end to weeks of speculation surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race in 2027.
Adeyanju, in a post shared on his Facebook page on Monday, declared that Jonathan has no intention of contesting, stressing that Nigerians should not be distracted by such rumours.
In his words: “GEJ is not interested in running for president in 2027. That chapter is closed. Anything you hear about GEJ is a distraction.”
The lawyer’s statement comes at a time when the political atmosphere in Nigeria is heating up, with conversations already shifting to the 2027 general elections. Jonathan’s name has often been floated in political discussions due to his historical role as a former president and the first Nigerian leader to concede defeat after losing an election.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, rose to prominence after taking over from the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He later won the 2011 presidential election but lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. His peaceful concession was widely praised both locally and internationally, cementing his reputation as a statesman committed to democracy.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has stayed largely out of partisan politics, focusing instead on international diplomacy and peace-building missions across Africa. His work with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) has earned him global recognition.
Despite this, rumours of a political comeback have persisted, with some suggesting that the former president could serve as a unifying figure for opposition parties ahead of 2027. Adeyanju’s remarks, however, appear to settle the matter, insisting that such speculations are baseless and misleading.
Observers note that Jonathan’s name tends to surface each election cycle due to his enduring popularity in some parts of the country, particularly in the South-South, where he hails from. His legacy projects, including improvements in the education sector through the establishment of more universities, and agricultural reforms during his administration, remain talking points among his supporters.
However, Adeyanju’s categorical statement indicates that Jonathan is unlikely to return to partisan politics. For Adeyanju, the issue is a closed chapter, and Nigerians should instead focus on the realities of the current political terrain rather than hoping for a Jonathan comeback.