Jonathan rebuke Keyamo, Odinkalu for opposing speculations about his 2027 presidential ambition

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has rebuked Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo (SAN) and human rights advocate Prof. Chidi Odinkalu for opposing speculations about his possible 2027 presidential run, urging them to refrain from meddling in his political affairs.

He insisted that his eligibility to contest was not in doubt and emphasized that he did not require unsolicited advice on matters concerning his political future.

Keyamo and Odinkalu had previously advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to consider Jonathan as its presidential candidate, arguing that his return would be constitutionally problematic since he had already taken the oath of office twice.

Responding in a statement issued on Monday, September 1, through his brother, Azibaola Robert, Jonathan dismissed their objections.

Robert, in a post shared on his verified Facebook page, wrote: “Dear Festus Keyamo (SAN), Chidi Odinkalu (Prof.), I greet both of you. For the records, three of us are lawyers. We were all pro-democracy activists in the 90s, and I was a better activist than both of you combined.

“Rule No. 1: Do not offer legal advice where none is solicited. GEJ (PDP) has numerous, more cerebral, more experienced SANs at his disposal who give him sound, unblemished professional legal advice.

“Please note: GEJ is 100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest, if he chooses to. If he decides not to yield to the overwhelming calls to run, it will not be because he is unqualified.

“Your unsolicited legal view is not of any concern to him and will never be. Don’t waste your precious time dwelling on this.

“Or should I schedule a meeting so you can be properly educated on the subsisting court judgments on the matter, one of which your party, APC, was a party to?”

“This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though,” Robert added

Though Jonathan has not formally announced any intention to contest in 2027, speculation about his possible bid has already stirred criticism from political rivals, who argue that his return could undermine the South’s opportunity to retain the presidency.

At present, it is unclear whether Jonathan will enter the race.

However, the growing debates around his eligibility, zoning, and succession suggest that the contest for 2027 is already shaping up to be fierce.