By FCC Jones
Former President Jonathan
There is a strong rumour that former President Jonathan will be filing papers for the 2027 presidential race. He will either run on the ADC platform or the PDP.
The calculation of those trying to conscript him into the race is that he is the only candidate who is entitled to one term, hence, would be the only other Southern candidate who is guaranteed to hand over power in 2031.
However, there are people contending that Jonathan is not qualified to contest again, having been sworn in twice as President. They argue that there is a new Constitutional provision that precludes anyone who had taken oath of office for either governorship or the presidency, twice, from contesting again.
That notwithstanding, if Jonathan scales that Constitutional hurdle and is cleared to contest again, he would be morally unqualified to contest the presidency this time. This is not because he didn’t perform well during his time as President, but because, it would be assumed that he is not motivated by service this time around, but by some kind of vendetta and even greed.
Jonathan has earned a reputation for himself as a man of integrity and one of the foremost defenders of democracy in Africa. His voluntary concession of the election that he lost in very controversial circumstances in 2015 marks him out as an African statesman. He needs to go to his grave with that honour and reputation. Contesting again and most probably losing out, would dilute the strong perception he has built as one who is not desperate for power and an urbane gentleman.
Most importantly, Jonathan is too big to be used by some people or any political cabal to fight any vendetta or ethnic war. He was a victim of such a conspiracy in 2015, he cannot turn around to lead the same conspiracy he complained bitterly against, especially, when the chances of his success are less than 40%.
May Nigeria Prevail!
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