Wike speaks on possible role if Jonathan declares for 2027 presidency

Wike speaks on possible role if Jonathan declares for 2027 presidency

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he will not mince words if former President Goodluck Jonathan consults him about returning to the presidential race in 2027.

Wike made the remark on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja amid growing speculation that Jonathan may be eyeing a comeback on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Jonathan has never told me. He has never called me one day to say, ‘look, I’m being pressured to run,’” Wike said. “If he calls me and asks me, I’ll be able to tell him my mind, what I feel.”

Although Jonathan has yet to declare his intentions, political circles have been abuzz following comments by former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, who hinted last month that the ex-president would contest in 2027.

Speaking after the PDP congress in Minna, Niger State, Gana said Nigerians had seen the performance of other leaders since Jonathan left office and were now clamouring for his return.

“In 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan said his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians. After him, another President ruled for eight years, and now another has ruled for two years,” Gana said.

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“Nigerians have seen the difference, and the difference is very clear. Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan. I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate.”

Jonathan has reportedly held several strategic meetings with key political figures, further fuelling speculation about a possible return.

However, Wike, who once shared a close political alliance with Jonathan, has previously cautioned him against re-entering the race.

At an earlier media briefing, Wike warned the former president not to fall into the hands of political actors who, he claimed, deceived him in the past.

“I know Jonathan very well. He has international respect and should maintain that,” Wike said. “These same people weighing Jonathan down are the ones who played him in 2015. They are only trying to cause confusion in the party.”

“People pushing Jonathan, what strength do they have? Were they not the same people who worked against him in 2015?” he added.

As the 2027 election season inches closer, the PDP is expected to face internal debates over its flagbearer, with Jonathan’s possible return likely to stir fresh political calculations.

Wike speaks on possible role if Jonathan declares for 2027 presidency