Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has warned former President Goodluck Jonathan against throwing his hat into the 2027 presidential race, cautioning that such a move would be politically risky.
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, the Lagos4Lagos Movement leader and 2023 PDP gubernatorial candidate advised Jonathan to heed the advice of those close to him, particularly his wife, Patience, who has already discouraged him from running again.
Jandor argued that Jonathan’s attempt to challenge President Bola Tinubu would be futile. “Tinubu is a master in the game of politics,” he said, predicting that the former president would be overwhelmed by the current leader’s political strength and experience.
He stressed, “If you accidentally found yourself at the Aso Villa as President, it is different from somebody who gave his all to get there.”
Drawing on historical context, Jandor reminded that it was President Tinubu who had defeated Jonathan in the past. He warned that Jonathan’s political fortunes were unlikely to change, regardless of the calls for his return. “This man (Tinubu) is not the same as someone who merely found himself in power,” Jandor remarked.
The Lagos politician made it clear that pursuing a presidential bid would only lead to a “humiliating defeat” for Jonathan. He also advised Jonathan to respect his own retirement and remain focused on the peace and quiet of his post-presidency life.
Jandor expressed firm support for President Tinubu, highlighting his economic reforms and their positive impact on the country. “The President has shown the courage to take our common patrimony from the hands of a few and return it to the people,” he stated.
He acknowledged that while the effects of Tinubu’s reforms had created some discomfort, state and local governments now had more funds to improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots level. Jandor also praised the stabilisation of Nigeria’s forex system, which he argued had ended corrupt practices associated with foreign exchange.
Jandor called on both state and local governments to utilise the resources now available to them, urging them to work towards mitigating the effects of the ongoing economic reforms. He also appealed to the Nigerian Armed Forces to assist President Tinubu in addressing the country’s security challenges.
