Former Jigawa State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to stay away from partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that renewed calls for his political comeback are misplaced.
As political realignments continue to gather momentum ahead of the next election cycle, several political stakeholders have reportedly intensified appeals urging Jonathan to return to active politics.
However, Lamido dismissed the growing calls, describing them as products of desperation and lacking genuine political direction.
The former governor made his position known in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, where he cautioned against attempts to drag the former president back into the country’s political battles.
According to Lamido, Jonathan has already attained the status of a respected elder statesman whose image and legacy should not be diminished by involvement in partisan struggles.
“It is unfair and ill-opportune to drag his person into the current murky political arena populated by unserious, self-seeking and self-serving characters,” Lamido stated.
He argued that Jonathan now belongs to the class of globally respected former leaders who should be protected from political turbulence and electoral contests.
The PDP chieftain maintained that individuals who have occupied such positions deserve to preserve their dignity rather than expose themselves to the uncertainties of political rivalry.
Lamido also criticised the broader political environment in Nigeria, alleging that many political parties currently lack ideological direction and are merely focused on acquiring power ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the renewed agitation for Jonathan’s return is not based on any coherent or well-structured political agenda.
“The call for President Jonathan to hop into the political arena, no matter how well-intentioned, stems from the helplessness and hopelessness Nigeria has found itself in,” he wrote.
Describing the pressure on Jonathan as a “desperation call,” Lamido said it reflects the growing frustration among Nigerians over the country’s political and economic situation.
He further urged the former president to ignore what he described as “ego-caressing” appeals from politicians and supporters allegedly seeking to exploit his popularity for political gain.
“While the call is appreciated, it is a desperation call lacking in any depth beyond being a ventilator of frustration,” the former governor added.
