2027: Wala reacts to calls for Jonathan’s comeback

As conversations continue to swirl around potential contenders for the 2027 presidential election, Nigerian activist Comrade IG Wala has strongly pushed back against calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to return to power.

In a scathing critique shared via social media, Wala questioned the logic behind re-marketing Jonathan for the nation’s highest office, describing his time in power as uninspiring and plagued by incompetence.

“If former President Jonathan decides to contest in 2027, I will not support the idea because there was nothing spectacular about his administration,” Wala stated.

He argued that Jonathan’s leadership laid the foundation for political arrogance and party dominance, all while being garnished with “a high level of incompetence.” According to Wala, Jonathan’s gentle demeanor often came off as weakness, especially in the face of desperate political actors, which allowed corruption to flourish during his tenure.

“He was a gentleman and a weak leader who said yes to everyone that came with everything. That could be his own way of tackling desperation, but it allowed corruption to thrive easily,” he wrote.

Drawing a contrast between Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Wala said that while corruption existed under Obasanjo, there was still some level of service delivery and economic stability. He criticized Jonathan for lacking a clear vision, arguing that had he been more focused and decisive, he could have attracted capable individuals into his administration—much like Obasanjo did.

The activist further questioned the rationale behind those promoting Jonathan’s return, noting that Nigeria’s current political and economic challenges should not justify bringing back a leader who originally rose to power following the death of his predecessor.

“For those trying to market GEJ for 2027 simply because we are at our lowest politically and terribly struggling under bad governance, you can’t be thinking of bringing someone who only got the seat through the exit of his principal,” he said.

Wala concluded by reiterating that while Jonathan may be admired for his calm and courteous personality, Nigeria needs far more than a gentleman in 2027.

“Nigeria is seeking a real leader with a strong mindset, someone capable of radically shifting the political landscape, confronting insecurity, reviving the economy, and dealing with lawlessness in the judiciary,” he asserted.