2027: Ex-Bayelsa Lawmaker Tells Jonathan To Shun Presidential Ambition

Former member of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa State, Israel Sunny-Goli, has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to resist pressure from political actors urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Sunny-Goli gave the advice on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, ‘Politics Today’, while reacting to the recent defection of Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I think Jonathan will take this in good faith because he’s a good man and wants the progress of the state,” the former lawmaker said. “People have been speculating about him contesting for the next elections. I believe Jonathan will not make the mistake of contesting for the 2027 elections as speculated by political jobbers, because the odds are against him.”

Sunny-Goli argued that Jonathan’s political influence has waned since leaving office in 2015, adding that there has been no indication that the former president intends to return to active politics.

“He has not made a move after his exit from the presidency to show that he’s still a practical politician or active politician in this country,” he stated.

The former lawmaker’s remarks came amid renewed political speculations following Diri’s defection and the fate of Bayelsa State. Sunny-Goli, however, maintained that the former president should remain above the fray, focusing instead on his growing international engagements and peace advocacy efforts.