According to report by Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to stay away from active partisan politics as the 2027 general elections approach.
He warned that returning to the political frontline at this time could expose Jonathan to unnecessary controversy and diminish the respect he currently enjoys as a former Nigerian leader.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Lamido stressed that Jonathan occupies a rare and dignified position both within Nigeria and on the global stage.
According to him, the former president should safeguard that status by remaining above what he described as a turbulent and “murky” political environment.
Lamido argued that Nigeria’s current political climate is dominated by ambition-driven actors who are more interested in personal gain than in ideology or national development.
He said it would be unwise to draw Jonathan into such a space, especially at a time when political parties are largely fragmented and focused on internal power struggles ahead of 2027.
Lamido further noted that the growing calls for Jonathan to return to contest elections reflect a deeper frustration among Nigerians over the country’s challenges.
However, he described these appeals as expressions of desperation rather than a well-structured political movement with clear direction or purpose.
According to him, while some of the supporters may have good intentions, the push for Jonathan’s comeback lacks a solid ideological foundation and is driven more by emotion than strategy.
He insisted that Jonathan should resist such pressure and continue to serve as a respected statesman.
Lamido also emphasized that preserving Jonathan’s image is important for the country’s historical and political record.
He said Nigeria should not allow him to be pulled into what he called a chaotic political contest where reputations could be easily damaged.
The former governor urged Jonathan to remain a unifying national figure and avoid involvement in the heated politics of 2027, insisting that his dignity and legacy are better protected from a distance.
