Former President Goodluck Jonathan has pushed back against critics of his speculated 2027 presidential ambition, warning Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) and legal scholar Prof. Chidi Odinkalu to stay away from his political decisions.
Keyamo and Odinkalu had recently urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to hand Jonathan its ticket, arguing that his return bid could face legal hurdles since he had already been sworn in twice as president.
But in a statement issued on Monday through his brother, Azibaola Robert, Jonathan dismissed their concerns, insisting that his eligibility was not in doubt.
Robert, posting on his verified Facebook page, wrote:
“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. GEJ (PDP) has numerous, more cerebral, more experienced SANs at his disposal who give him sound, unblemished professional legal advice.
“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.”
He further challenged both men to revisit existing court judgments, including cases in which the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was a party, stressing that Jonathan’s right to contest had already been established.
In a lighter tone, Robert added: “This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though.”
Although Jonathan has not made a formal declaration, his rumoured ambition has stirred political debate, with some warning that a comeback bid could complicate the South’s chances of retaining the presidency in 2027.
Analysts say the early controversy underscores the intensifying battle over zoning, eligibility, and succession ahead of the next general elections.
