The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Nwanyanwu, has advised former president Goodluck Jonathan to hold back from returning to the presidential contest in 2027.
He warned that individuals who once undermined Jonathan during his time in power are the same figures now urging him to run again, driven not by national interest but by personal motives.
Speaking on Friday during Channels Television’s Politics Today, Nwanyanwu explained that while he has not yet met with Jonathan, he plans to do so soon. According to him, the former president should proceed cautiously.
“I have not spoken with President Jonathan. I intend to see him very soon, but I think he should tarry a while,” he stated. He added his agreement with Jonathan’s wife, Patience Jonathan, who is reportedly opposed to her husband contesting in 2027. Nwanyanwu argued that the people encouraging Jonathan to return are “the same people who betrayed him, an honest man, a man who had good policies for Nigeria.” He warned that these individuals “want to use him now to clean their mess.”
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2011 to 2015, assumed office after the death of President Musa Yar’Adua. He led the country until he was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari, who has since passed away.
As the 2027 elections approach, calls for Jonathan to return to the political arena have grown louder. Some political analysts and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believe his experience and reputation make him a strong contender for the presidency. However, Jonathan has not declared any intention to run and has consistently emphasized that seeking office is not among his immediate plans.
Since leaving power, Jonathan has devoted much of his time to diplomatic engagements, participating in observer missions across Africa and contributing to peace-building efforts on the continent.
What You Should Know
Goodluck Jonathan, who governed Nigeria between 2011 and 2015, is once again the subject of political speculation as the 2027 elections approach.
Despite growing appeals for him to contest, ZLP Chairman Dan Nwanyanwu has urged restraint, warning that those encouraging his return once betrayed him while he was in office. Jonathan himself has repeatedly indicated he has no immediate plans to join the race, focusing instead on international diplomacy and peace-building across Africa.
The debate reflects renewed interest in his leadership style, legacy, and potential role in Nigeria’s political future.
