ABUJA, Nigeria — Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has announced that her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, will not be contesting in the 2027 presidential election.
Her remarks come amid speculation and calls from certain political circles encouraging the former president to return to the race.
Speaking at a gathering with the Greater Igbo Forum in Abuja on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Patience Jonathan made it clear that her husband has no intention of seeking any further political office, emphasising that he has already served in key positions, including the highest office in the nation.
According to her, the former president is now focused on supporting national efforts for development.
Addressing the gathering, she said, “My husband has reached the pinnacle of political office. What is he looking for again? We are not going in again.”
Her statement dispels rumours and confirms that Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, has officially stepped away from any political ambitions for the future.
The former first lady’s remarks come as some political groups and supporters have floated the idea of Jonathan returning to office in 2027, a prospect that has now been firmly dismissed.
During her speech, Patience Jonathan also took the opportunity to encourage the Igbo community to foster unity and set aside political differences. She urged the gathering to focus on collective development and the future of Nigeria’s younger generations.
“We should love this country more than ourselves. Because if you don’t love this country, what is the future of our children?” she asked, highlighting the need for unity and cooperation across ethnic and political lines.
She added, “Let us manage one another. Let us love ourselves. Let us be united and be our brother’s keepers.”
Goodluck Jonathan, who became president following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, led Nigeria through a critical period before losing his re-election bid in 2015 to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has largely stayed out of active politics, focusing on international diplomacy and efforts to strengthen democracy across Africa.
With this latest confirmation from his wife, it appears the former president will continue his role as a statesman rather than seek a return to political office.
The announcement ends speculation surrounding a potential Jonathan 2027 campaign and refocuses attention on the broader field of candidates likely to vie for Nigeria’s presidency in the next election cycle.
