Engr. Francis Biobarakuma has articulated compelling reasons why His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, should contest the 2027 presidential election. He emphasized that, although he initially preferred Peter Obi or any credible politician from the South-East to become Nigeria’s next president, the reality of Nigeria’s political rotation dictates a different path. Given that the presidency is currently held by a southerner, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that the South is entitled to complete its eight-year tenure, the most viable candidate is Jonathan.
Mr. Biobarakuma noted that Jonathan, having served only one elective term, remains constitutionally eligible to run again. He argued that Jonathan’s leadership stands out due to his empathy, technical know-how, and dedication to Nigeria’s development—qualities that are lacking in many contemporary politicians.
Reflecting on Jonathan’s handling of the fuel subsidy issue, Mr. Biobarakuma remarked that Jonathan’s proposal to remove the subsidy was met with widespread protests and criticism, yet it was rooted in sound economic strategy aimed at minimizing impact while fostering long-term growth. He contrasted this with Tinubu’s abrupt removal of the subsidy, which was executed without proper preparation, resulting in adverse effects on the economy and people.
Mr. Biobarakuma pointed out that many of the projects and policies Jonathan proposed are now being implemented by subsequent administrations, but without the careful planning and technical expertise required for sustainability. He asserted that Jonathan’s original plan for subsidy removal remains a viable solution to the current crisis but requires Jonathan’s leadership and vision to be effectively implemented.
Another critical point Mr. Biobarakuma highlighted is the need for the South to complete its full eight-year term. He argued that Jonathan, with only four years left to serve, offers a balanced and strategic solution, ensuring a smooth transition of power back to the North in 2031.
Discussing Jonathan’s ability to leverage international relationships, Mr. Biobarakuma noted that under Jonathan’s leadership, strategic appointments such as that of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Minister of Finance played pivotal roles in stabilizing the economy. He criticized the administrations of Buhari and Tinubu for failing to capitalize on Okonjo-Iweala’s current role as Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Jonathan, according to Mr. Biobarakuma, understands her value and can restore lost economic opportunities.
Mr. Biobarakuma further observed that Jonathan faced significant challenges from the Obama-led U.S. administration, which did not fully support his government’s efforts to combat organized insecurity. He suggested that the potential presence of Donald Trump in the White House during Nigeria’s 2027 elections could provide Jonathan with the international support necessary to address security issues and implement his plans effectively.
In conclusion, Mr. Biobarakuma urged Jonathan to answer the call to serve again, stating that Nigeria’s dire economic situation, insecurity, and leadership deficiencies make his return imperative. “His ability to combine technical expertise with empathy is unmatched in contemporary Nigerian politics,” Mr. Biobarakuma said.
He called on Nigerians to support Jonathan in the quest to rebuild the nation and secure a brighter future.
Full Text:
“Why Jonathan Should Contest the 2027 Presidential Election
“Ordinarily, I would have preferred Peter Obi or any credible politician from the South-East to emerge as the next president of Nigeria. However, considering the political rotation of power in Nigeria between the North and the South, it is only reasonable to rule out a president from the South-East in 2027. Currently, a southerner, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is serving his first term. By the gentlemen’s agreement of political zoning, the South is entitled to another term only.
“This opens the door for His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who has served just one elective term as president and is constitutionally eligible to contest for another. Jonathan’s record in governance speaks volumes, particularly regarding his contributions to Nigeria’s economy and development. His administration faced challenges, including systematic insecurity driven by international and domestic oligarchs, but his empathy and technical know how remain unmatched in contemporary Nigerian politics.
“Goodluck Jonathan has the technical know how and empathy that is lacking in most politicians in Nigeria. He has the will to change this country for the better. When Goodluck Jonathan proposed the removal of the fuel subsidy in his first term, he was heavily criticized by most people and some even protested on the streets against it even though he had a good plan of execution so it removal will not have impacted the nation’s economy badly.
“Today we see first hand that some of the projects and policies that was proposed by Jonathan that has been executed by President Muhammadu Buhari and currently being executed by President Bola Tinubu, the only difference is that they lack the technical know how or a proper plan to ensure the damage is reduced and sustainable. Let’s take for instance when Tinubu announced the removal of subsidy on the podium the moment he was sworn into office without considering the implications it will have on the economy and the people.
“Jonathan had a plan for the removal of fuel subsidy and that plan can still help salvage the mess the country is currently in. But that plan can only work when he is president, because no other person has the political will to carry it out.
“Another point why Jonathan should be president is the point I have mentioned earlier, that the South should complete the 8 years but not with Bola Tinubu but with Goodluck Jonathan who has only 4 years to be in office so power can return to the North.
Looking at the problems with our economy and how both Buhari and Tinubu has failed woefully by not capitalizing on the opportunity that our very own, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is serving as Director General of the World Trade Organization, it is only right that Jonathan who knows the value of Dr. Ngozi possesses, haven appointed her as Minister of finance and coordinating Minister for the Economy during his first spell should be given the opportunity to salvage the mess we are in as a country. Remember that the economy was very stable under Jonathan leadership.
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“One of the major problems Jonathan faced was lack of support from the Democrat American Government led by then President Barack Obama in the fight against the well organized and sponsored insecurity to destabilize Jonathan’s administration, who also for reasons we can’t fathom wanted Jonathan out of office. With the emergence of Donald Trump who also has only 4 years and will still be in office when the 2027 General elections will be conducted, the issue of insecurity will be dealt with properly and will give Jonathan the time to execute his plans which he had before he conceded the 2015 elections.
“I therefore urge and demand that our leader and father of modern democracy, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to contest for the presidency come 2027. I also urge Nigerians to give total support to him in our quest to make this country which is in critical point of collapse a better country economically and developmentally.
“Yours in nation building
Engr. Francis Biobarakuma”
