By Gabriel Ewepu, Abuja
ABUJA — Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has expressed concern over reported moves by former President Goodluck Jonathan to return to active presidential politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an open letter dated June 3, 2026, and made available to journalists, Adeyanju said Jonathan’s possible participation in the 2027 race could expose him to Nigeria’s “fragile” and “divided” political environment.
He said while he holds the former president in high regard, returning to frontline politics at this time may not serve his legacy positively.
“I write to you as a well-wisher and someone who has long admired your leadership style and your commitment to democratic values. It is precisely from that place of respect that I feel compelled to say candidly that the growing conversations around your intended return to active presidential politics are worrying,” he said.
Adeyanju warned that Nigeria’s current political climate is unstable and could complicate any fresh attempt by the former president to contest.
He also cautioned that the electoral process itself could attract controversy capable of affecting Jonathan’s international reputation and statesmanlike image.
“As someone with your global standing and the respect you continue to command both at home and abroad, I worry that subjecting yourself to the roughness of another electoral contest at this moment may not serve your legacy well,” he stated.
He advised Jonathan to instead continue serving as an elder statesman whose influence is exercised through guidance and counsel rather than electoral ambition.
“For these reasons, I sincerely hope you will consider stepping away from any such ambition and continue to serve in the higher role of an elder statesman on the continent,” he added.
The development comes amid reports that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki had allegedly cleared Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, though internal party dynamics remain unsettled.
A source close to Jonathan’s camp had earlier suggested that discussions were ongoing over the platform with the best chances for a possible return to the presidency.
