By our reporter
Former Rivers State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Nyesom Wike, has condemned renewed calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to return to power in 2027, describing the move as both hypocritical and politically dangerous.
Wike made the remarks during a recent television interview, where he expressed concern over what he called an attempt to incite crisis within the political system. He questioned the motives of those backing Jonathan’s potential comeback, accusing them of being the same individuals who actively worked against his second term bid in the 2015 presidential election.
“Anybody saying Jonathan should return because he will only do one term is only looking for a crisis,” Wike said.
He argued that the calls for Jonathan’s return are not borne out of national interest, but are part of a larger scheme by political actors seeking to manipulate the system for their personal benefit. According to Wike, such moves are not only insincere but pose a real threat to Nigeria’s political stability.
It is the height of hypocrisy. Those who abandoned Jonathan, insulted him, and worked against him in 2015 have suddenly found a new narrative that suits their ambitions. This is not about Nigeria. It is about their own selfish interest, he added.
Wike’s comments, though not directed at any individual, are seen by political observers as a veiled criticism of influential figures within and outside the PDP who are allegedly plotting Jonathan’s return through the back door. The strategy, often framed as a “one-term consensus” candidacy, has been a subject of quiet debate in political circles.
The former governor stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to be drawn back into political recycling that does not prioritize good governance. He warned that any attempt to bring back Jonathan under such conditions could spark internal tensions within the PDP and potentially create broader national instability.
Goodluck Jonathan, who led the country from 2010 to 2015, has largely remained on the sidelines of domestic partisan politics since leaving office. Though he continues to play a role in international diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts, speculation about a political comeback has persisted, with some reports suggesting interest from both the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Proponents of Jonathan’s return often argue that he is constitutionally allowed to serve only one more term, making him a “neutral bridge” between rival factions. However, critics, including Wike, believe such arguments are politically expedient and ignore the deeper consequences of reviving past administrations.
Wike’s latest intervention signals a growing divide within the opposition over leadership direction ahead of the 2027 elections. His warning may also serve as a call to party stakeholders to focus on building a forward-looking agenda rather than returning to the past.
As the political landscape begins to take shape in the lead-up to 2027, Wike’s stance adds a new layer of complexity to an already delicate conversation about power rotation, party loyalty, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
