The 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against contesting the 2027 presidential election, describing such a move as a political gamble likely to end in defeat.
Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, said President Bola Tinubu remains “a master in the game of politics” who “cannot be defeated by Jonathan or any other contender” in the next election.
“It was this same man (Tinubu) that defeated him (Jonathan) from the outside. So, they are not the same,” NAN quoted him as saying.
He disagreed with those urging Jonathan to run again, saying, “I disagree with people calling on Jonathan to re-contest; people saying Jonathan is the only person who can challenge Tinubu, citing his popularity and experience.”
Adediran contrasted Jonathan’s accidental rise to power with Tinubu’s determined pursuit of the presidency, stating, “If you accidentally found yourself at the Aso Villa as President, it is different from somebody who gave his all to get there. They did all sorts for him not to get there, and he got there.”
Jandor further urged Jonathan to listen to his wife, Patience Jonathan, who has reportedly advised him not to contest.
He also commended President Tinubu’s economic policies, saying the reforms were beginning to produce positive results for both governments and citizens.
“We are not saying all is well, but at least the President has shown the courage to take our common patrimony from the pocket of the few in the name of fuel subsidy and return it to the country, state and the local government,” he said.