The Presidency has reacted to speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race in 2027, warning that Nigerians would not forget his record in office.
In a statement issued on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Jonathan is free to contest but would face both constitutional questions and the verdict of the people.
The statement criticised efforts by Professor Jerry Gana and other leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to draft Jonathan into the race, describing the move as a self-serving agenda that could once again leave the former president abandoned by political allies.
Onanuga recalled that Jonathan’s administration left behind depleted reserves, unpaid salaries, and allegations of widespread mismanagement of public funds, despite record revenues from crude oil sales. He argued that the country’s economic decline began under Jonathan’s watch, citing the diversion of security funds and abuse of the Excess Crude Account.
Contrasting this with President Bola Tinubu’s record, Onanuga said the current administration has taken bold steps to stabilise the economy through subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, and infrastructure projects. According to him, GDP growth reached 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, inflation dropped to its lowest level in three years, and foreign reserves now stand at over $42 billion.
“President Jonathan is welcome to the race if he so desires, but Nigerians will not forget his dismal record,” Onanuga stated.
