Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and legal scholar, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, over their opposition to his speculated 2027 presidential ambition, warning them to steer clear of his political choices.
Keyamo and Odinkalu had urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to consider Jonathan for its presidential ticket, insisting that a return bid would face legal hurdles since he had already been sworn in twice as president.
But in a statement on Monday, Jonathan’s brother, Azibaola Robert, dismissed their arguments, stressing that the former president’s eligibility was not in question and that he did not need unsolicited advice.
Writing on his verified Facebook page, Robert said:
“Dear Festus Keyamo (SAN), Chidi Odinkalu (Prof.), I greet both of you. For the records, three of us are lawyers. We were all pro-democracy activists in the 90s, and I was a better activist than both of you combined.
“Rule No. 1: Do not offer legal advice where none is solicited. GEJ has numerous, more cerebral, more experienced SANs at his disposal who give him sound, unblemished professional legal advice.
“Please note: GEJ is 100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest, if he chooses to. If he decides not to yield to the overwhelming calls to run, it will not be because he is unqualified.
“Your unsolicited legal view is not of any concern to him and will never be. Don’t waste your precious time dwelling on this.
“Or should I schedule a meeting so you can be properly educated on the subsisting court judgments on the matter — one of which your party, APC, was a party to?”
Robert, however, added on a lighter note: “This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though.”
Although Jonathan has not made a formal declaration, his name has featured prominently in permutations ahead of the 2027 elections. Critics argue that a comeback bid could jeopardise the South’s chances of retaining the presidency, but his supporters insist that his eligibility is settled in law.
For now, the debate underscores the battles over zoning, succession, and constitutional interpretation that are set to shape the road to 2027.
