Jonathan urged to run for 2027 presidency, but should he?

PDP figures including Jerry Gana and Delta Governorship candidate Benedict Etanabene are urging former President Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. The party sees him as a consensus candidate with 100% nationwide recognition and hopes to capitalize on growing nostalgia for the Jonathan era (2010-2015).

Supporters argue that Jonathan's entry would guarantee presidential rotation to the North by 2031, preventing any candidate from locking down the position for eight years. They compare his potential return to Trump's and Mahama's political comebacks in the US and Ghana respectively.

However, many analysts warn that Jonathan's return could trigger massive tribal backlash from 'power-preneurs' and damage his reputation as an international statesman. If he contests and loses, he would risk being 'politically castrated,' while his entry could also splinter the opposition further.

With opposition already fragmented between Atiku, Obi, and others, Jonathan's candidacy might divide the 60%+ of voters seeking change rather than unite them against the incumbent. As the most experienced candidate, Atiku remains formidable despite his splintered opposition apparatus. With APC controlling 31 governors nationwide, Tinubu maintains significant institutional advantages.

Should Jonathan preserve his legacy as a respected elder statesman or risk returning to Nigeria's divisive political arena?

SOURCE: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/885834-should-jonathan-run-away-by-wole-olaoye.html