By Charles Pemu 
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed the unsolicited counsel of Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and legal scholar, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, regarding his speculated bid for the 2027 presidency. Jonathan, through a statement from his brother, Azibaola Robert, warned the prominent legal figures to refrain from interfering in his political decisions.
The controversy arose after Keyamo and Odinkalu publicly advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against fielding Jonathan, asserting that his eligibility for a third term was legally questionable due to his two previous tenures as president.
In a sharply worded response issued on Monday by Robert on his verified Facebook page, the former president’s camp rejected these legal arguments. Robert, a lawyer himself, highlighted that Jonathan’s eligibility is “100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest,” and that he possesses a vast network of experienced Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to provide professional legal advice.
“Do not offer legal advice where none is solicited,” Robert wrote, adding that their opinions were of “no concern” to the former president. He further hinted at existing court judgments on the matter, noting that Keyamo’s own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), was a party to one of them.
While Robert’s statement concluded with a caveat that it was not a confirmation of Jonathan’s candidacy, the early political skirmish underscores the intensifying battle lines being drawn ahead of the 2027 elections. The debate over Jonathan’s eligibility and the broader issues of zoning and succession are already shaping the political landscape, signaling a fierce contest to come.
Analysis of the Political Implications
This public exchange is more than a simple disagreement among lawyers; it represents a strategic maneuver in the early stages of Nigeria’s 2027 political cycle. By challenging Jonathan’s eligibility, Keyamo and Odinkalu are attempting to pre-emptively undermine a potential formidable candidate. This move forces the Jonathan camp to address the legal question head-on, effectively putting his name back in the national political conversation.
Jonathan’s response, delivered through his brother, is a calculated show of strength. By asserting his legal qualifications and dismissing the advice of his critics, he aims to project an image of confidence and political leverage. The reference to prior court rulings and the veiled jab at the APC serve to reinforce his position and signal to his supporters that his potential candidacy is legally sound and not open for public debate. This narrative sets the stage for a prolonged battle over constitutional interpretation and political maneuvering as the race for the presidency intensifies.