MESSAGE AMPLIFIED BY THE GOOD GOVERNANCE GROUP (GGG)
RE: STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
(FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN IS WELCOME TO THE RACE. NIGERIANS WILL REMEMBER HIS DISMAL RECORD IN OFFICE)
*A PREMATURE AND CONTRADICTORY ATTACK ON DEMOCRATIC CHOICE*
⁃ *ORIBO NANIE EINSTEIN*
The recent statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, is not only hasty and contradictory, it is a troubling attempt to preempt the democratic process and intimidate potential contenders.
*In one breath, the author acknowledges that former President Goodluck Jonathan has the inalienable right to contest the 2027 presidential election.* *In the next, he calls for judicial intervention to determine his eligibility. This contradiction indicates a deep-seated fear of Jonathan’s possible return, rather than a commitment to constitutional clarity as claimed by Mr. Onanuga, It raises a disturbing question: is this a subtle warning to Jonathan, or a signal to Nigerians that the justice system is already under political influence?*
Professor Jerry Gana, like every Nigerian, is entitled to express his views and advocate for any candidate of his choosing. The rush to discredit his opinion and attempting to ridicule his person is unbecoming of a presidential spokesperson. More importantly, it is premature. Former President Jonathan has not declared any intention to run. *Reacting with such hostility to mere speculation suggests panic, not confidence.*
Whether or not Nigerians will vote for Jonathan should he choose to contest, is a decision that rests solely with the electorate. The Nigerian people are not forgetful. They remember the records of past and present leaders and will make their choices accordingly. Attempting to rewrite history or weaponize selective statistics will not erase the lived experiences of citizens.
While President Tinubu may have introduced wonderful policies aimed at economic reform, comparing his administration to Jonathan’s in a press release laced with partisan vitriol does little to elevate national discourse. It undermines the dignity of the presidency and distracts from the real issues facing Nigerians today.
*President Bola Tinubu recently described the economic hardship resulting from his reforms as “surgical pain,”* which I totally agree.
*But what my President failed to acknowledge is that many patients have lost their lives, not just to the unbearable pain, but to misdiagnoses, systemic neglect, and the hands of inexperienced surgeons. The metaphor may be poetic, but the reality is tragic. Pain without proper care and introduction of pain relief is not healing, it’s harm.* All the same, Nigeria is getting better.
Let the democratic process unfold naturally, allow aspirants declare their intentions and let the courts interpret the law without political pressure. Above all, let Nigerians decide.
Issuing premature attacks and contradictory statements only serves to damage the credibility of the presidency and deepen public distrust. Timing and tone matter. This release failed on both counts.
*ORIBO NANIE EINSTEIN*
30th September, 2025.
