Ijaw Youth Council Urges Caution As Jonathan Faces Renewed Calls To Contest Presidential Election Despite Uncertain Prospects

 

They Might Be Deceiving You, Ijaw Youths Warn Jonathan About 2027 Presidential Race

Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has been advised to tread carefully amid growing calls for his return to the nation’s highest office. The caution comes from the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), whose president, Jonathan Lokpobiri, voiced concern that political actors might be trying to lure the former leader into an unwise decision to contest in the 2027 presidential election.

Lokpobiri, speaking during an interview with Punch, made it clear that while the Ijaw nation deeply respects Jonathan’s accomplishments and global reputation, the realities of Nigeria’s political landscape suggest that a presidential comeback may not work in his favor. According to him, the forces that frustrated Jonathan during his time in power, particularly from the northern political bloc, are still active and could easily undermine him again.

The youth leader explained that any decision to run remains a personal matter for the former president. He stressed that the Ijaw people would naturally support their own if Jonathan declares an interest. However, he questioned the wisdom of making such a move, given the prevailing political environment. “Our primary aim is to stand with our own, but the bigger question is what chances does he have?” he asked.

Lokpobiri highlighted the complexity of Nigeria’s power-sharing politics, pointing out that Jonathan’s first presidency faced stiff opposition that eventually cost him reelection. He suggested that the same political dynamics could still be at play, making any attempt at a comeback difficult. “The politics of Northern Nigeria which swept the carpet under him when he was president has not changed. If he is persuaded to contest now, I would rather feel that they would have deceived him into this thing,” he warned.

The IYC president further noted that Jonathan’s reputation outside Nigeria is more valuable at this stage than another stint in office. The former leader is widely respected globally for his democratic credentials, particularly for conceding defeat in 2015, a gesture that set him apart from many of his peers. Lokpobiri suggested that clinging to that legacy is more beneficial than subjecting himself to another bruising political contest.

Adding a personal dimension to the debate, Lokpobiri mentioned that Jonathan’s wife, Patience, is reportedly not in support of calls for his return to power. This, he said, underscores the weight of the decision and the need for Jonathan to carefully reflect on the implications before committing himself to the race.

“Every attempt at this moment is to unite around a Southern presidential effort, and that is what makes me doubt he will run,” Lokpobiri continued. He argued that Jonathan has enough experience and maturity to evaluate the political climate and determine what is best for both his family and his legacy.

According to him, destiny cannot be ruled out, but rational judgment should take precedence. “If it is his destiny, we cannot stand in the way, but I will strongly advise against it,” he explained. Lokpobiri emphasized that Nigeria is currently under a southern presidency, and dividing southern support could weaken the region’s bargaining power in future political negotiations.

Despite his doubts, Lokpobiri affirmed that the Ijaw people would not abandon Jonathan if he eventually chooses to run. Their loyalty to him remains intact, but their preference is for him to maintain his statesman role and continue representing Nigeria positively on the global stage. “We cannot be against him. If he decides to run, we will stand with him. But I do not think he will run,” he concluded.

The conversation around Jonathan’s possible return has sparked debates across the country, with some seeing him as a unifying figure capable of calming Nigeria’s tensions, while others argue that the time for him to seek office has long passed. His silence on the matter has only fueled speculation, but as Lokpobiri suggested, the ultimate decision rests with Jonathan himself.

For now, the Ijaw Youth Council has made its stance clear, urging caution and emphasizing that sometimes stepping aside is the wiser course, particularly when one’s legacy is already secure. Whether Jonathan will heed this counsel or allow himself to be drawn into another high-stakes political battle remains to be seen.