2027: Jonathan’s declaration will disrupt entire political environment – Agbedi

A member of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, has stated that the participation of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election will significantly change Nigeria’s political landscape.

Agbedi, who serves the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State in the House of Representatives, also confirmed that the former Nigerian president intends to run for the nation’s highest office again under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Agbedi was inquired about the implications of Jonathan’s candidacy in a race that already features prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore, all vying to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the January 2027 election.

“It carries significant weight; it will disrupt the entire political environment,” Agbedi remarked.

The politician from Bayelsa asserted that Jonathan is now more equipped than ever to assume the leadership of the nation, emphasizing that he is the most suitable individual to guide Nigeria at this time.

“He is more qualified for the position. A serious nation within a democratic framework seeks out the most capable individuals, regardless of their location, to respond to the urgent needs of the country by saying, ‘We require a competent, capable, tested, and trusted leader to steer our nation.’ This is the approach of a serious country,” he said.

Agbedi remarked that following eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari and three years under Tinubu, Nigerians are eager for another four years of Jonathan to bring stability to the nation.

He indicated that conditions are becoming increasingly difficult for Nigerians under the governance of the APC, and many believe that Jonathan is the individual who can save the country.

Agbedi’s statements followed a court ruling that permitted the former president to run in the 2027 presidential election.

On Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a lawsuit brought by attorney Johnmary Jideobi, which sought to prevent Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential election.

In delivering the ruling, Justice Lifu also imposed a fine of N20 million against Jideobi in favor of the former president.

Additionally, a fine of N1 million was levied against the plaintiff in favor of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF.

Justice Lifu determined that Jideobi did not possess the legal standing to file the lawsuit, as he had not experienced any harm from Jonathan’s alleged intention to run in the upcoming election.

The judge pointed out that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had previously ruled that Jonathan was eligible to contest, stating that he was obligated to adhere to the appellate court’s ruling.

Justice Lifu subsequently characterized the lawsuit as “an abuse of the court process.”