A prominent pressure group, the Eastern Union (EU), has issued a stern warning to former President Goodluck Jonathan, advising him against contesting in the 2027 presidential election. The group, which advocates for the political restructuring of Nigeria’s former Eastern Region, declared that Jonathan stands no chance of victory if he dares to enter the race.
In a statement released on Friday by its National President, Charles Anike, the EU cautioned that those pushing Jonathan to run have hidden, self-serving motives that could ultimately damage his political legacy. According to the group, the former president risks being exploited as a pawn in a larger scheme designed to weaken opposition unity and pave the way for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power.
“The individuals promoting Jonathan’s candidacy are doing so for purely selfish reasons,”* Anike stated. *”Their agenda is to have him serve a single term and then hand over power to a northern candidate. What they fail to realize is that Jonathan’s involvement will only fracture the opposition, making it easier for President Bola Tinubu and the APC to secure another term in 2027.”
The EU further warned that Jonathan’s participation could backfire, tarnishing his hard-earned reputation as a statesman. Instead of running, the group urged him to preserve his political credibility and instead endorse a strong, viable candidate from the southern region—particularly the East—who could effectively challenge the APC’s dominance.
“Jonathan should publicly support a credible and electable candidate from the South, preferably the Eastern Region,”* Anike emphasized. *”His focus should be on helping to remove the APC from power, which would further cement his legacy as a leader committed to justice and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. Contesting in 2027 is not the right path for him—he must be wise enough to avoid being used by opportunistic politicians.”
The statement concluded with a plea for Jonathan to prioritize the broader struggle for good governance over personal ambition, warning that a failed presidential bid could diminish his standing in Nigerian political history. The EU’s intervention adds to growing debates about opposition strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, with many stakeholders calling for a united front against the ruling party.
As speculation swirls around Jonathan’s political future, the Eastern Union’s message is clear: the former president should step back from the race or risk becoming a tool in a plot that could ultimately benefit the very forces he once opposed.