Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has made an impassioned appeal to former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him not to contest the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the first session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja, Ndukuba warned that a return to partisan politics would "spoil that good name" and diminish the former leader's hard-earned reputation as a global statesman. His admonition came amid persistent speculation that some political blocs are trying to draft Jonathan back into the electoral fray, even though he has not publicly declared any intention to run.
Ndukuba directly addressed the former president from the podium, a moment witnessed by bishops, clergy, and senior political figures including former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and Senator Ireti Kingibe. The primate told Jonathan: "We don't want you to spoil that good name, and please, keep off for now, let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be". He praised Jonathan's role in Nigeria's democratic history, particularly his concession after the 2015 election, saying, "You are a symbol that should stand; you are a hope for our generation, that it is possible for us to be civil, to lead with integrity".
The primate also warned that worsening hardship and political manoeuvring ahead of 2027 were distracting leaders from governance and deepening public frustration. "It is clear that the political class is jostling for its survival rather than the service and welfare of the people," Ndukuba said, adding that the wave of defections and absence of strong opposition showed that politicians were more interested in power struggles than solving the country's economic and security problems.
For his part, Jonathan, who was also present at the synod, avoided any comment on his own political future. Instead, he struck an optimistic tone about Nigeria's prospects. "I believe as a country we will get over our challenges. God will not abandon Nigeria," he declared. He warned about growing moral decay and violence, lamenting that young people now pick up guns to kill with alarming ease, and urged religious leaders to double their prayers and moral guidance.
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