Former President Goodluck Jonathan has decisively responded to criticisms from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and legal scholar Professor Chidi Odinkalu regarding his potential 2027 presidential bid. Jonathan, through a statement released by his brother Azibaola Robert, cautioned both men against intruding on his political decisions, stressing his constitutional eligibility.
Robert wrote on his verified Facebook page, “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.” He further emphasised, “GEJ (PDP) has numerous, more cerebral, more experienced SANs at his disposal who give him sound, unblemished professional legal advice.”
The statement underlines Jonathan’s firm stance on his eligibility: “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.” Robert also dismissed the unsolicited counsel by adding, “Your unsolicited legal view is not of any concern to him and will never be.”
With a hint of lightheartedness, Robert concluded, “This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though.” Jonathan’s possible return to the presidency has sparked wide debate, especially from political circles wary that his candidacy might complicate zoning agreements and the South’s prospects to retain power in the 2027 elections.
.
