Senator Adams Oshiomhole has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan would face certain defeat if he chooses to run in the 2027 presidential election, citing the ruling All Progressives Congress’s growing strength in Jonathan’s traditional stronghold.
The Edo North Senatorial District representative made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, where he questioned Jonathan’s ability to mount a credible challenge against the APC.
Oshiomhole pointed to the shifting political landscape in the South-South region, suggesting that Jonathan’s base has eroded significantly since his 2015 electoral loss. He questioned where the former president would draw support from, noting that the region no longer firmly aligns with the Peoples Democratic Party.
The former Edo State governor argued that encouraging Jonathan to re-enter politics would be doing him a disservice. He suggested that those pushing the former president toward another campaign may not have his best interests at heart, warning that such a decision could damage his reputation.
Oshiomhole recalled that the APC defeated Jonathan when the PDP was at its strongest, making the former president’s chances even slimmer now. He expressed concern that another electoral defeat would diminish Jonathan’s standing and undermine the respect he has earned since leaving office.
The senator urged Jonathan to protect his legacy as a statesman rather than seeking additional time in power after already serving two terms. He praised the former president for maintaining relevance and dignity outside of office.
Oshiomhole specifically commended Jonathan’s decision to concede the 2015 election, describing it as a moment that enhanced his reputation internationally. He suggested that Jonathan’s statement about not valuing power over Nigerian lives should define his place in history.
The senator warned that contesting in 2027 would be a significant political gamble, predicting that President Bola Tinubu would decisively defeat Jonathan at the polls.
This sentiment was echoed by Abdul-Azeez Adediran, known as Jandor, who ran as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State in 2023. Adediran also cautioned Jonathan against heeding calls to contest the presidency, arguing that those encouraging him are misleading him about his electoral prospects against Tinubu.
