Elder Anthony Sani, former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has issued a stern warning to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to resist pressure to contest the 2027 presidential election. In a strongly worded Facebook post, Sani cautioned that such a move could inflame regional tensions and undermine Nigeria’s fragile political balance.
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“While Dr. Jonathan’s name carries weight and his legacy commands respect, we must ask: Is this in the best interest of the South—and Nigeria?” Sani wrote. “The South already has a sitting president. Pushing another southern candidate in 2027 risks violating the spirit of zoning and could deepen divisions.”
His remarks come amid growing speculation linking Jonathan to a potential comeback bid, reportedly backed by Northern political strategists aiming to split the Southern vote. Sources cited in an OBSERVERS TIMES report suggest that Jonathan is being positioned as a consensus candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu, with some Northern elites viewing him as a tool to weaken APC’s stronghold.
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However, Sani dismissed the idea as politically reckless. “Dragging Jonathan into this race is a dangerous gamble,” he said. “It risks reopening old wounds and could turn the election into a toxic regional showdown rather than a contest of ideas.”
The elder statesman further warned Jonathan against being used as a pawn in a broader power play. “Those whispering in his ear may not have Nigeria’s stability at heart,” he said. “They are playing a high-stakes game, and he must not let himself be deceived.”
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Political analysts note that Jonathan’s re-entry could trigger a fierce backlash, particularly from the South-East and South-South, where many believe the presidency should shift to the Igbo-speaking region in 2027. Meanwhile, the ruling APC has dismissed the rumors as opposition propaganda, insisting that Tinubu remains focused on governance.
