“I Don’t Need Your Counsel” — Jonathan Tells Keyamo, Odinkalu on 2027 Speculation

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has responded sharply to Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo (SAN) and human rights lawyer Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, dismissing their opposition to his speculated 2027 presidential bid and warning them to stay away from his political decisions.

Keyamo and Odinkalu had urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to grant Jonathan its ticket, suggesting that his return to the presidency could face legal hurdles, given that he has already served two terms in office.

In a statement released on Monday by his brother, Azibaola Robert, Jonathan rejected their concerns, asserting that his eligibility to contest is unquestionable and that he does not need unsolicited legal advice.

Robert, writing on his verified Facebook page, said: “Dear Festus Keyamo (SAN), Chidi Odinkalu (Prof.), I greet both of you. For the records, three of us are lawyers. We were all pro-democracy activists in the 90s, and I was a better activist than both of you combined. Rule No. 1: Do not offer legal advice where none is solicited. GEJ has numerous, more cerebral, more experienced SANs at his disposal who give him sound, unblemished professional legal advice. Please note: GEJ is 100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest, if he chooses to. Your unsolicited legal view is not of any concern to him and will never be. Don’t waste your precious time dwelling on this. Or should I schedule a meeting so you can be properly educated on the subsisting court judgments on the matter — one of which your party, APC, was a party to?”

He added, in a lighter tone, “This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though.”

Although Jonathan has not formally declared his intention to run in 2027, speculation over his potential candidacy has sparked reactions from political actors who warn that a return bid could affect the South’s chances of retaining the presidency.

For now, whether the former president will enter the race remains uncertain, but early debates indicate a growing contest over zoning, eligibility, and succession as the 2027 elections approach.