The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan against returning to active partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could undermine his legacy as a statesman.
Ndukuba gave the advice on Saturday while delivering his address at the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja in Abuja.
He said Jonathan’s place in history was already secure following his role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly his concession after the 2015 presidential election.
“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,” Ndukuba said.
The cleric added that Jonathan had earned respect not only in Nigeria but across West Africa and the wider continent.
“We thank God for your life, not only for Nigeria but for the West Africa region, ECOWAS, and Africa.
“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, and possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming after us,” he said.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), lost the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made history at the time by calling Buhari to concede defeat even before the final results were officially announced, a gesture widely credited with helping to prevent post-election violence.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has built a reputation as an international statesman, leading election observation missions and peace mediation efforts across Africa under bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).
Despite his elevated global profile, speculation has continued about his possible return to electoral politics.
However, Ndukuba insisted that Jonathan should preserve his current standing rather than risk it in a contested political comeback.
“Be the senior citizen that you should be,” the cleric said, reiterating his appeal.
NAN
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