Jandor Warns Jonathan Against 2027 Bid Says Tinubu Too Strong To Defeat

The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest in the 2027 presidential election, warning that such a move would be politically risky.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, Jandor said Jonathan would not be able to match the political strength and influence of President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a skilled and strategic politician. He cautioned that those urging Jonathan to run were misleading him and that returning to the race would only expose him to an embarrassing defeat.

Jandor noted that Tinubu’s rise to power was built through years of political struggle and resilience, unlike Jonathan’s, which he described as a product of circumstance. He argued that Tinubu’s deep understanding of Nigerian politics, combined with his nationwide network, would make him an unstoppable force in 2027.

He also pointed out that even Jonathan’s wife, Patience Jonathan, had reportedly advised her husband to stay away from the 2027 race, a counsel he said the former president should heed. Jandor maintained that Tinubu’s achievements and personality have already positioned him strongly for reelection.

Praising President Tinubu’s performance so far, Jandor commended his economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said has boosted allocations to state and local governments. He explained that the policy had redirected public funds from a few individuals into the hands of government institutions capable of improving lives at the grassroots.

Jandor added that the current administration’s efforts to stabilize the foreign exchange market have curbed fraudulent practices that previously enriched a few at the expense of the economy. He said although the reforms have caused short-term hardship, they have laid the foundation for long-term stability.

He urged state and local governments to use their increased allocations effectively to ease the impact of economic adjustments on citizens, stressing that local initiatives would help the benefits of federal reforms reach the people faster.

Jandor further called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to continue supporting the federal government in addressing insecurity across the country, saying national development depends on peace and stability.