ABUJA — Former President Goodluck Jonathan has pushed back against criticisms from Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and legal scholar, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, over his rumored 2027 presidential ambition, cautioning them to steer clear of his political choices.
Keyamo and Odinkalu had recently advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against offering Jonathan its ticket, arguing that he could face legal hurdles since he had already been sworn in twice as Nigeria’s president.
But in a strongly worded statement on Monday, issued through his brother, Azibaola Robert, Jonathan dismissed their concerns as baseless and unwelcome, insisting that his eligibility is not in doubt.
“Dear Festus Keyamo (SAN), Chidi Odinkalu (Prof.), I greet both of you. For the records, three of us are lawyers. We were all pro-democracy activists in the 90s, and I was a better activist than both of you combined,” Robert wrote on his verified Facebook page.
“Rule No. 1: Do not offer legal advice where none is solicited. GEJ (PDP) has numerous, more cerebral, more experienced SANs at his disposal who give him sound, unblemished professional legal advice. Please note: GEJ is 100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest, if he chooses to.”
He further emphasized that Jonathan’s decision would not be dictated by external pressure:
“If he decides not to yield to the overwhelming calls to run, it will not be because he is unqualified. Your unsolicited legal view is not of any concern to him and will never be. Don’t waste your precious time dwelling on this.”
Robert also quipped: “Or should I schedule a meeting so you can be properly educated on the subsisting court judgments on the matter — one of which your party, APC, was a party to?”
In a lighter tone, however, he clarified: “This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though.”
Although Jonathan has yet to formally declare his intentions, the mere prospect of a comeback has stirred heated debate within political circles, with opponents warning that his return could upset zoning arrangements and alter the South’s chances of retaining the presidency in 2027.
For now, uncertainty lingers — but the early exchanges suggest the battle lines for the next presidential race are already being drawn.
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