The All Progressives Congress Media Network has alleged that the move to drag former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 Presidential race is intentionally designed to weaken the massive South South Solidarity for President Bola Tinubu, to potentially pave the way for a northern presidency.
The group asserted in a statement released to newsmen by its Director-General, Iniobong John, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday.
The Peoples Democratic Party has zoned the 2027 presidency to the South, and former President Goodluck Jonathan is one of those being eyed by the party to contest for the position.
However, the group’s DG urged the former president to be wary of such offer in order not to fall prey to the evil machinations of those seeking to drag him into another electoral defeat.
He said the former president had earned a good international reputation for himself as a statesman and peacemaker and urged him to prioritise the stability and progress of our nation rather than taking risks to contest an election whose outcome he is not certain
”The All Progressives Congress Media Network wishes to address recent rumours that former President Goodluck Jonathan may be drafted into the 2027 presidential race to face President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
” We believe this would be a disastrous political decision for him. Not only would he likely be defeated by President Tinubu, but he would also risk losing his status as an international statesman and the honours and recognition he earned after conceding defeat and leaving office in 2015.
”Given his defeat as incumbent president in 2015, it’s unlikely he could defeat another incumbent president, particularly one with President Tinubu’s strong grip on the game. We are confident that President Tinubu’s popularity and achievements will only continue to grow, making it an uphill task for any opponent.
”We urge former President Goodluck Jonathan to exercise caution and not fall prey to the machinations of those seeking to drag him into another electoral defeat,” the statement partly read.
The DG said Jonathan’s legacy as a statesman and peacemaker has earned him international recognition, and he won’t want to see him risk his reputation.
He urged the former president whom he described as someone who showed wisdom and humility in the past, especially after conceding in 2015, to put the nation’s stability and progress above personal ambitions.
The DG said those dragging the former president into the presidential race are aware that he (Jonathan) cannot defeat Tinubu, adding that they are fighting they are a lost battle
”It’s worth noting that those who are scheming to drag former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race are aware that he cannot defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
”To those who are scheming to stop the second-term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we want to clearly state that they are fighting a lost battle.
“President Tinubu will be overwhelmingly re-elected by Nigerians who are appreciating the many reforms and initiatives undertaken by his administration to drive progress and development in the country.” the statement added.
