Ex-Minister Questions Jonathan’s Comeback: “What Does He Gain Risking Another Four Years

According to Ireporter Online, former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke, has dismissed speculations suggesting that former President Goodluck Jonathan may return to active partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

Duke described the rumoured comeback as misguided, insisting that Jonathan’s status as a statesman should not be reduced to political calculations. He made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time.

He noted that Jonathan’s time in office remains one of the defining eras in Nigeria’s democratic journey, adding that the former president has built a reputation that extends beyond electoral politics in Nigeria and across Africa.

Expressing concern over what he described as attempts by some political actors to leverage Jonathan’s image for personal advantage, Duke warned against turning the former president into what he termed a “political pawn.” He argued that Jonathan’s influence should instead be preserved and expanded in his role as a global statesman rather than being dragged back into partisan contests.

Duke further stated that Jonathan is aware of the implications of the ongoing political discussions surrounding his name, expressing confidence that the former president would not compromise his statesmanly standing for another electoral ambition.

He added that Jonathan stands to gain far more as a former president and respected global figure than by risking another four-year presidential race.