Ademola Olarewaju, Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may face a crushing defeat in the 2027 presidential election if former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to contest.
Olarewaju made the statement during his appearance on the Mic On Podcast, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, analyzing the shifting political landscape ahead of the next presidential election.
According to Olarewaju, Jonathan’s participation under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would destabilize the APC’s electoral base, leaving the ruling party with little chance of success nationwide.
“If Goodluck Jonathan comes into the primaries and contests in a competitive primary and he wins, we all will support him. Then APC loses. APC would have no base in that election,” Olarewaju said.
He further emphasized that Atiku Abubakar remains the most influential figure within Nigeria’s opposition parties, highlighting his political network and goodwill as key assets.
“I can say this for a fact that Atiku Abubakar will win party primaries without spending a Kobo of his own. There are people who bank on Atiku Abubakar’s goodwill to win gubernatorial elections, senatorial elections. People will commit themselves for Atiku Abubakar. Atiku’s clout is what brings him in.” – Ademola Olarewaju
Speculation over the political futures of Atiku and Jonathan has intensified. In September, reports surfaced suggesting Jonathan might stage a return to politics, a move later confirmed by former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, who announced Jonathan would contest as the PDP candidate in 2027.
“Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan. I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate,” Gana stated.
The Tinubu administration quickly responded, acknowledging Jonathan’s right to run but warning that Nigerians would remember his previous governance record. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu, stated:
“Politicians of Jerry Gana’s ilk merely want to lure him into the race to satisfy their personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests. They will abandon him midstream, as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch.”
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