By BONIFACE AKARAH

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to steer clear of any plans to return to active presidential politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

In an open letter addressed to the former Nigerian leader, Adeyanju said growing discussions linking Jonathan to a possible presidential bid were troubling and could pose risks to the legacy he has built since leaving office.

The activist noted that Nigeria's political environment remains fragile and argued that the platform on which Jonathan is reportedly being considered for a return bid appears divided and unstable.

According to Adeyanju, Jonathan currently enjoys significant respect both within Nigeria and internationally, making it unnecessary for him to expose himself to the uncertainties and controversies associated with another presidential contest.

“I write to you as a well-wisher and someone who has long admired your leadership style and your commitment to democratic values,” Adeyanju stated in the letter.

He added that his intervention was motivated by respect for the former president and concern for preserving his statesmanlike reputation.

“Nigeria’s current political climate is already fragile, and the PDP platform you are being linked with appears increasingly unstable and divided,” he wrote.

Adeyanju further argued that participation in another election cycle could subject Jonathan to political attacks and controversies capable of diminishing the stature he has earned over the years.

“As someone with your global standing and the respect you continue to command both at home and abroad, I worry that subjecting yourself to the roughness of another electoral contest at this moment may not serve your legacy well,” he said.

The lawyer maintained that beyond the question of whether Jonathan could win another election, the process itself could become contentious and potentially affect public perceptions of his post-presidency record.

“Even beyond questions of outcome, the process itself risks unnecessary controversy that could unintentionally diminish the statesmanlike stature you have earned,” Adeyanju stated.

He urged the former president to continue serving in the role of an elder statesman rather than returning to partisan electoral politics.

“For these reasons, I sincerely hope you will consider stepping away from any such ambition and continue to serve in the higher role of an elder statesman on the continent whose influence is felt through guidance and wisdom, rather than electoral contest,” the letter read.

Speculation about Jonathan's possible political future has surfaced intermittently in recent years, although the former president has not publicly declared any intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

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