“Anybody Saying Jonathan Should Return Is Only Looking for a Crisis” — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race against President Bola Tinubu could spark a national crisis.

Speaking on Channels TV’s *Politics Today* on Thursday, Wike dismissed those urging Jonathan’s return as hypocrites, recalling that many of them deserted him after his defeat in the 2015 election to the late Muhammadu Buhari. “Anybody saying Jonathan should return because he will only do one term is only looking for a crisis,” Wike said. “These are the same people who frustrated him in 2015. Why now? Jonathan has made a name for himself globally, and they just want to drag him into unnecessary conflict.”

Political maneuvering has intensified in recent weeks as parties prepare for the 2027 race. While President Tinubu has not formally announced a second-term bid, several support groups have already pledged loyalty to his candidacy. At the same time, some within the opposition are floating Jonathan and former Anambra governor Peter Obi as potential challengers.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed recently confirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party is considering both men as possible flagbearers if Jonathan agrees to return. “Certainly, former President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are considering if he joins us and opens his mind to run,” Mohammed said.