By Our Correspondent
National News – Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan not to participate in the 2027 presidential race, warning that a return to partisan politics could damage his reputation as a respected statesman.
Lamido made the remarks on Wednesday amid increasing political realignments and calls from supporters urging Jonathan to return to active politics ahead of the next general election.
The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain stated that Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has moved beyond the stage of electoral contests and should focus on his role as a global democratic figure.
According to Lamido, involving the former president in the current political climate would expose him to unnecessary political conflicts and personal attacks.
Speaking through a statement shared on his Facebook page, Lamido described the growing calls for Jonathan’s return as a reflection of the frustration many Nigerians feel over the nation’s economic and political challenges.
He argued that the appeals lack a clear ideological direction and are mainly driven by desperation among political actors searching for credible alternatives ahead of 2027.
Lamido further criticised the condition of political parties in Nigeria, saying many are now focused only on power struggles rather than governance or national development.
He stressed that Jonathan should not allow himself to be drawn into what he described as a “murky political arena” dominated by self-interest and personal ambition.
The former governor also warned supporters against using Jonathan’s name to gain political advantage.
He maintained that the former president’s dignity and international standing should be protected carefully instead of being dragged into partisan battles.
Lamido concluded that Jonathan remains an influential national figure whose future political role, if necessary, should be approached with caution, strategy and national interest rather than emotional pressure from supporters.
