By John Odhe, YENAGOA
As uncertainty continues to hover round the perceived ambition of former president Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, his Kinsmen have urged him to threw his hat to the ring for the epic battle.
Although the former Nigerian president has yet to officially declare intent to join the 2027 presidential race, his body language has been speaking volume, suggesting that the Otuoke born politician may be eyeing the Aso Rock Villa ones more.
The coast became clearer on Friday when the Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) adopted Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate in absentia in Abuja, the Nigerian capital territory.
The Member representing Sagbama-Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Mr. Fred Agbedi received the ticket on behalf of the former president.
Before mow, a group of concerned Nigerians had visited Jonathan at his Abuja residence, calling on him to present himself to contest the Nigeria’s highest seat of power, describing him as the most qualified person to save the country from her current economic and security woes.
In his response, the former president said he would consult widely before taking a final decision on the matter.
Jonathan recently surmounted a legal battle that sought to disqualified him from running in the event that he decided to run.
Speaking to TNN on the matter, some of his kinsmen from Ogbia Local Government Area said they were in full support ofJonathan’s ambition to contest, describing it as his inalienable right to vote and be voted for.
Mr. Einstein Oribo, a political analyst, has this to say “as a Nigerian and as the court has already cleared him, Goodluck Jonathan is very eligible to contest a presidential election both the one of 2027 and any other one.”
“Whether he will contest or not is truly his decision to make. His political party has given him ticket. I don’t see any reason he should not contest.
“If he feels that Nigerians are calling on him and he knows that he has the solution to Nigeria’s problem, we shouldn’t tell him not to contest.
“Some people are saying Goodluck Jonathan is to good to come and contest election in Nigeria. That means you don’t like Nigeria. If we like Nigeria, then we should be looking for good people.
“I don’t think people are using Goodluck Jonathan’s name unknowingly to him. He’s very much aware. If it’s unknowingly to him, it’s just a phone call to say please don’t do it. If he has not done that, it is most likely that he’s aware of everything that has been going on.
“Every person has their own ways of actualising their dreams. This could be their pattern of actualising their political dream. Let’s just wait.”
Another Ogbia son, Wisdom Ikuli says “from 1956 till date, the
Niger Delta and the Ijaw people in particular who own well over 65 percent of crude oil and gas have not been given commiserate reward for our immeasurable sacrifices.”
“So ours is to continue to sacrifice and others are to continue to enjoy, which is not right. Those who are saying he shouldn’t contest, I’m sure they will not hold the same view if he wins.
“And when you look at the names you’re meaning, the most qualified amongst them is Goodluck Jonathan. A man who decided to sacrifice his ambition for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
“In 2015, Nigeria would have disintegrated. The world policeman, the United States, predicted it but for the sacrifice of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan that held Nigeria together.
“For a leader like that, he should come because Nigeria is passing through an ominous, unpredictable time. To me, when it’s time to be at the negotiation table, our people, the Ijaw people should not be absent.”
On the streets, Jonathan’s perceived relaunch into the presidential race is a mixed feeling.
While some passionately want the former president back in Aso Rock, others are resentful, reasoning that he should continue to enjoy his national and international goodwill.
“Are you not seeing the former president the way he’s so refreshed and honoured around the world? Those who betrayed him and put us in this mess should should go and salvage the country. They should leave Jonathan alone,” James Ogala, a businessman told TNN in Yenagoa.
Mrs. Ebiere Jephthah, a hairdresser, says “I want Goodluck Jonathan back. He’s a man with God’s grace upon his head. It will shock you how everything will turn around for this country immediately that man (Goodluck Jonathan) is sworn-in as president.”
