Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has chosen not to comment on the rising calls for his former boss, Goodluck Jonathan, to contest in the 2027 presidential election.
Amid increasing speculation about Jonathan’s possible return to the political stage, Omokri was asked during an interview with Channels Television on Friday about the growing demands from supporters urging the former leader to re-enter the race.
Jonathan, who lost his re-election campaign in 2015 to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is being pushed by some allies and admirers to once again vie for the country’s highest office.
Responding to the matter, Omokri maintained neutrality, stressing his loyalty to Jonathan. “I have unconditional love for Goodluck Jonathan. And so, I would not criticise or give an opinion on anything he does on live television,” he stated.
Highlighting the closeness of their relationship, Omokri, who served as Jonathan’s social media aide, recalled: “This is a man who came to California and spent 10 days with me and my family.”
Meanwhile, political voices within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have begun to weigh in. On Thursday, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, noted that the party’s doors remain open for Jonathan should he decide to run.
Speaking in an interview, Mohammed praised Jonathan, describing him as one of the “most celebrated politicians today,” and emphasized that the ex-president would be a strong contender for the PDP ticket.
“But certainly, (former) President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking of, if he joins us and opens his mind to run. And even other people like (former) governor Obi, because if he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances, he will be given the opportunity too,” Mohammed said.
What you should know
Goodluck Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 before losing to Muhammadu Buhari.
Since leaving office, he has remained a significant figure in Nigerian politics and a subject of speculation about a possible comeback.
Calls for his return reflect both nostalgia among supporters and the continuing influence of his political legacy within the PDP.
