Keep Off 2027 Race” — Anglican Primate Warns Jonathan Against Political Comeback

The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon any thoughts of returning to active partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could overshadow his legacy as a statesman.

Ndukuba made the remarks on Saturday during his address at the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja, held in Abuja, where he spoke extensively on leadership, national values, and the importance of preserving historical legacies.

“Stay out of partisan politics,” cleric urges Jonathan

In a strongly worded but advisory message, the Anglican Primate urged Jonathan to maintain his current status as an elder statesman rather than re-enter the political arena. He argued that doing so would help preserve the respect and international recognition the former president has earned since leaving office in 2015.

According to him, Jonathan has already secured a unique and “indelible” place in Nigeria’s democratic history, particularly due to his widely praised conduct during the 2015 presidential election, when he conceded defeat peacefully.

“We don’t want you to spoil that good name. Please, keep off for now. Let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be,” Ndukuba said.

He further praised Jonathan’s post-presidency role, describing him as a symbol of maturity, peace, and democratic progress not only for Nigeria but also for the wider West African region and the African continent.

“You are a symbol that should stand; you are a hope for our generation, that it is possible for us to be civil, to lead with integrity, and possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming after us,” he added.

Praise for Jonathan’s democratic legacy

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), lost the 2015 election to former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His decision to call Buhari and concede defeat before the final announcement of results was widely regarded as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic development.

Observers and political analysts have repeatedly credited that action with helping to reduce tensions and prevent potential post-election violence, a concern that has historically accompanied closely contested elections in the country.

Since leaving office, Goodluck Jonathan has remained active on the international stage. He has taken on several diplomatic and peace-building roles, including leading election observation missions across Africa under the auspices of regional and continental bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).

Renewed political speculation ahead of 2027

Despite his relatively low profile in domestic partisan politics since 2015, Jonathan has remained a recurring subject of political speculation in Nigeria, particularly as elections approach. Discussions about a possible return to the ballot—either within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or as a consensus candidate in broader opposition arrangements—have surfaced intermittently in political circles and public discourse.

However, such speculation has also generated debate, with supporters arguing that his experience and national appeal could provide stability, while critics caution that a return could complicate party dynamics and undermine his post-presidency reputation.

It is against this backdrop that the Anglican Primate issued his caution, stressing that Jonathan’s “statesman status” may be more valuable to Nigeria and the continent if preserved outside active electoral politics.

Jonathan’s post-presidency role

Over the past decade, Goodluck Jonathan has largely repositioned himself as a mediator and observer in African democratic processes. He has been involved in election monitoring, conflict resolution efforts, and high-level diplomatic engagements, earning him recognition as one of Africa’s prominent elder statesmen.

His supporters often highlight this transformation as evidence that his influence extends beyond electoral politics, while also pointing to his role in strengthening democratic norms across the region.

Call for preservation of legacy

In concluding his remarks, Ndukuba emphasized that Nigeria’s democratic history should remember Jonathan for his statesmanship rather than a potential return to partisan contest.

He urged him to continue in a role that promotes peace, integrity, and democratic stability, describing it as a responsibility that transcends electoral ambition.

As discussions around the 2027 elections gradually begin to take shape, the cleric’s intervention adds to the ongoing national conversation about political legacy, leadership renewal, and the place of former leaders in active politics.