Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has warned against mounting pressure on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, describing the move as insincere and potentially destabilising.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Wike argued that many of those now urging Jonathan to run were the same figures who worked against him during the 2015 polls.
“Pushing Jonathan to come back on the excuse that he will only serve one term is nothing but a recipe for crisis,” he said. “These were the very people who abandoned him in 2015. Why attempt to drag him back now, after he has built global respect for himself?”
According to the minister, the idea of fielding Jonathan—or any southern candidate—under the banner of a one-term presidency was a political gimmick that threatened national balance.
Turning to economic issues, Wike admitted that Nigerians are experiencing hardship but insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has taken “difficult but necessary” steps to reset the economy. He pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja as signs of progress.
“Yes, things are tough, but changes are underway. You can see the evidence across the capital,” Wike maintained.
He also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently warned of a looming revolution over hunger and poverty. Wike accused Atiku of lacking credibility, saying: “He was in power for eight years. If hunger was such a priority, why didn’t he address it then? I don’t waste my time reading his comments anymore.”
The minister urged Nigerians to remain patient and resist opposition attempts to weaponise economic challenges for political advantage.
His comments come as speculation grows about Jonathan’s potential return to politics. In August, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed disclosed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was weighing Jonathan and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as possible flag bearers for 2027, describing Jonathan as “one of Nigeria’s most celebrated politicians.”
