The Presidency has reacted to reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan may contest in the 2027 presidential election, saying it is his constitutional right but warning Nigerians not to forget his “dismal record” in office.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday, September 29, 2025.
He dismissed recent claims by Professor Jerry Gana that Jonathan could return on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform and defeat Tinubu.
“Jonathan reserves the right to run if he wishes. President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race.
But Jonathan will have his date in the court of the land on his eligibility and his encounter with the people over his dismal record,” Onanuga said.
Tinubu vs Jonathan’s Legacy
Onanuga accused Jonathan of running the economy aground during his 2010–2015 tenure.
He cited depleted reserves, diversion of security funds, and mismanagement of oil revenues.
According to him, Jonathan inherited $66 billion in reserves and excess crude accounts in 2010 but left less than $32 billion combined by 2015.
He added that despite record oil sales averaging $100 per barrel, Jonathan’s government struggled to pay salaries, with 28 states owing workers.
He also referenced the alleged diversion of security funds under Jonathan and his former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
Tinubu’s Record Defended
In contrast, Onanuga praised President Tinubu for stabilizing the economy within two years of his administration.
He listed reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, abolishing multiple exchange rates, and boosting investor confidence.
He said GDP grew 4.23% in Q2 2025, inflation dropped to 20.12%, and foreign reserves increased to $42.03 billion.
“The nation has turned the corner. The PDP broke the economy; President Tinubu is fixing it,” Onanuga declared.
Onanuga also warned Jonathan to be cautious of PDP leaders pushing him into the race, stressing that the same figures abandoned him in 2015.
He insisted that Nigerians will not “allow those who wrecked the country before to return and run it down again.”
Jonathan has not yet formally declared his intention to contest in 2027, but speculation has grown as opposition leaders attempt to build alliances ahead of the polls.
