The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Ndukuba, has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest the 2027 presidential election, warning that a return to partisan politics could affect his reputation as a statesman.
Mr Ndukuba spoke on Saturday during the first session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja.
“We don’t want you to spoil that good name, and please, keep off for now. Let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be,” he said.
The cleric said Mr Jonathan had already earned a respected place in Nigeria’s democratic history, particularly for conceding defeat after the 2015 presidential election.
“We thank God for your life, not only for Nigeria but for the West Africa region, ECOWAS, and Africa,” he said.
“You are a symbol that should stand; you are a hope for our generation, that it is possible for us to be civil, to lead with integrity, and possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming after us.”
Mr Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He lost the 2015 election to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His decision to concede defeat before the final results were announced was widely praised for helping to calm tensions after the election.
Since leaving office, Mr Jonathan has remained active in diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts across Africa, leading election observation and mediation missions for the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.
Speculation about a possible return to active politics has continued in recent years, although the former president has not announced any plans to run in 2027.
