By Gabriel Ameh
Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has written an open letter to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, urging him to reconsider any plans of returning to active presidential politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the letter, Adeyanju expressed admiration for Jonathan’s leadership style and long-standing commitment to democratic principles, describing him as a respected statesman with significant influence both in Nigeria and internationally.
However, he noted that growing discussions around Jonathan’s potential return to the presidential race have become concerning, given the current state of Nigeria’s political environment.
According to him, Nigeria’s political landscape is already fragile, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Jonathan is being linked with, appears increasingly divided and unstable.
Adeyanju argued that subjecting the former president to another electoral contest could pose unnecessary risks to his reputation and legacy, regardless of the outcome.
He further stated that the political process itself could expose Jonathan to avoidable controversy that may undermine the respect he has earned over the years.
The activist therefore advised the former president to reconsider any ambition of returning to the ballot and instead continue to serve as an elder statesman whose influence is best applied through guidance, mentorship, and democratic advocacy.
He emphasized that Jonathan’s global standing places him in a unique position to contribute to democratic stability across Africa without necessarily returning to partisan politics.
Adeyanju concluded by urging the former president to prioritize his legacy and continue playing a stabilizing role in national and continental affairs rather than re-entering electoral competition.
