The All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Network has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against contesting the 2027 presidential election, warning that such a move could damage his reputation and weaken the South-South’s political alignment with President Bola Tinubu.
The caution came in a statement released on Sunday by the Director-General of the APC Media Network, Iniobong John, following reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, with Jonathan being mentioned as a possible contender.
The APC group described the speculation as a dangerous political trap designed to diminish Jonathan’s international standing while dividing Southern unity ahead of the polls.
“The All Progressives Congress Media Network wishes to address recent rumours that former President Goodluck Jonathan may be drafted into the 2027 presidential race to face President Bola Tinubu.
We believe this would be a disastrous political decision for him,” the statement read.
According to the group, Jonathan’s legacy as a statesman and global peace advocate would be at risk if he returned to partisan politics, particularly against a sitting president with what they described as “a strong political structure and growing popularity.”
“Not only would he likely be defeated by President Tinubu, but he would also risk losing his status as an international statesman and the honours and recognition he earned after conceding defeat and leaving office in 2015,” the statement added.
The APC Media Network further argued that Jonathan’s past defeat as an incumbent in 2015 underscored the near impossibility of him defeating another sitting president.
“Given his defeat as incumbent president in 2015, it’s unlikely he could defeat another incumbent president, particularly one with President Tinubu’s strong grip on the game,” it said.
“We are confident that President Tinubu’s popularity and achievements will only continue to grow, making it an uphill task for any opponent.”
While urging Jonathan to resist being swayed by political actors allegedly pushing him into the race, the group claimed their real motive was to split the South and clear the path for a Northern candidate.
“It’s worth noting that those scheming to drag Jonathan into the race know he cannot defeat President Tinubu.
Their true intention is to exploit the situation to break Southern solidarity, potentially enhancing the chances of a Northern presidential candidate.
However, this plot is dead on arrival,” the group declared.
Concluding, the APC Media Network insisted that President Tinubu’s second-term ambition was unstoppable, citing what it described as reforms and initiatives that have gained growing acceptance among Nigerians.
“To those scheming to stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we want to clearly state that they are fighting a lost battle. President Tinubu will be overwhelmingly re-elected by Nigerians who appreciate the many reforms and initiatives undertaken by his administration to drive progress and development in the country,” the statement said.