A prominent political pressure group, the Eastern Union, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against contesting the 2027 presidential election, warning that any attempt to return to Aso Rock could damage his legacy and weaken the opposition.
The group, which advocates for the political realignment of Nigeria’s old Eastern Region, said Jonathan’s candidacy would be dead on arrival, and that those urging him to contest were motivated by selfish northern interests.
In a statement on Sunday, the group’s National President, Charles Anike, accused Jonathan’s promoters of plotting to use him as a bridge for northern succession, with plans for him to serve only one term before handing over power to the North.
Anike said: “The motives of those urging and projecting him are wrong. Mr. Jonathan must be careful and watch it, or else he will regret it because the calculation may tarnish his good image.”
The group warned that fielding Jonathan would fracture the opposition, especially at a time when unity is vital to dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Anike stated: “Jonathan’s coming up will only destroy the chances and the strong united forces of the opposition.
“If they push him through to contest without considering the benefits of a united opposition, they have only indirectly given a soft landing to President Bola Tinubu and his APC allies.
“Jonathan should publicly throw his weight behind a sellable and credible candidate from the South, especially from the Eastern Region,.
“His ultimate goal should be to dethrone the APC-led federal government. That will go a long way to add to his political achievements,” the group stated.
