Former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke, has dismissed suggestions that former President Goodluck Jonathan may return to active partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general election, describing such speculations as misplaced.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Duke said Jonathan’s presidency remains one of the most significant periods in Nigeria’s democratic journey and argued that his status as a statesman should not be reduced to political calculations.
He expressed concern over growing reports linking the former president to a possible return to frontline politics, alleging that some individuals were attempting to leverage Jonathan’s reputation and integrity for political purposes.
According to Duke, Jonathan has established a lasting legacy both in Nigeria and across the African continent, with influence that extends far beyond electoral politics.
The former minister noted that Jonathan fully understands the implications of the political conversations surrounding his name and is unlikely to jeopardise his standing by pursuing another presidential ambition.
He said:
“The news of the possibility of the distinguished President Goodluck ability to return to active politics is one that I take with a lot of trepidation because this is an iconic personality whose tenor as a president redefined some of the very best aspects of Nigeria.
“How then do you think that after having acquired the experience of being one of Nigeria’s most cerebral presidents, one who has achieved such a grand level and achievement across the continent, would now be dragged into what I see as a political lottery by people who should actually work harder to ensure that he can sustain and expand the perimeters of his influence as a statesman, not just to Nigeria, Africa, but globally.
“I think it is unfortunate that people who have not yet been able to put their house in order are now assuming that they can trade the integrity and the overwhelming personality and image of a former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as perhaps a pawn on the political dashboard.
“This is where I have my trepidations, and I believe that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has his senses and his head firmly fixed, and he understands that a number of these issues that are being raised around him.
“I do know that what he stands to gain as a former president is far beyond risking another four years of aspiration.”
Duke’s remarks come amid increasing political discussions and speculation over possible alignments and candidacies ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Jonathan’s name frequently mentioned in conversations about potential opposition strategies.
