Contrary to ongoing speculations, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will not seek the presidency in the 2027 general elections. This was made clear by his wife and former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, during a meeting with the Greater Igbo Forum (GIF), Worldwide in Abuja, where the forum’s president, Ambassador Lois Jonathan, paid a courtesy visit.
In her remarks, Dame Patience Jonathan took a reflective journey through the political career of her husband, emphasizing that he has no further ambitions in politics. She highlighted the various leadership roles her husband has held, from local government chairman to the highest office of President, noting that he has no intention of re-entering the political arena.
“My husband has been local government chairman, deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president. What is he looking for again? We are not going in again,” she said confidently, quelling any rumors of a potential political comeback for Goodluck Jonathan in 2027.
The former First Lady also stated that her husband is fully committed to supporting the current administration and to the peace and unity of the country. She stressed that no matter who is in power, their loyalty lies with Nigeria’s future.
“Whoever is there, we support 100%, for the sake of my country. We should love this country more than ourselves. Because if you don’t love this country, what is the future of our children? Then our children don’t have hope,” she remarked, demonstrating her unwavering patriotism.
Call for Unity Among Ndigbo
Dame Jonathan’s conversation with the Greater Igbo Forum turned to the importance of unity, especially among the Igbo people. She urged the forum to foster love and cooperation within the Igbo community, noting that development thrives in peaceful and united environments. Her call for unity was both heartfelt and firm, underscoring that without internal harmony, achieving progress is impossible.
“Let us manage one another. Let us love ourselves. Let us be united and be our brother’s keepers,” she said. She continued by reminding the group of the shared heritage that binds Ndigbo, emphasizing the importance of speaking with one voice to strengthen their influence and capacity to foster growth.
“Set politics aside. Take Igbo as the first thing. We should be able to protect one another, love one another. We should live in a peaceful atmosphere within ourselves. But if we cannot love and unite, how can we face the outsider?” she asked, urging the group to forget past grievances and come together for the greater good of the region and the country at large.
Dame Jonathan’s Advice for Lasting Unity
Dame Jonathan stressed that without unity, no meaningful achievements can be made, and she encouraged the forum to stand by one another. She argued that the Igbo community could only thrive if they supported one another’s goals, putting aside personal interests and focusing on collective progress.
“Let us go back again, together. Talk together. Love one another and unite. We cannot achieve anything without unity,” she said passionately. “Support your brother. Stand by your brother. It’s better that way. Let us stand by one another because that’s the major thing.”
The Greater Igbo Forum’s Agenda
The visit by the Greater Igbo Forum was part of their efforts to inform Dame Jonathan of their upcoming summit, slated for October. Ambassador Lois Jonathan, President of the Forum, spoke about the organization’s focus on peace, security, and promoting a positive global image of the Igbo people.
“We are here to intimate you about Greater Igbo Forum. Greater Igbo Forum is an organization known for its security consciousness, peace, and readiness to make sure that the name of the Igbo resonates positively worldwide,” Lois Jonathan said. The summit, which will take place on October 9th and 10th, aims to bring together influential Igbo figures to discuss issues of regional development and unity.
In recognition of her contributions to the Igbo community and the nation, the forum honored Dame Patience Jonathan with the title Odiukonamba Ada Ndigbo, which translates to “one you can only find in a million.” This prestigious title reflects her unique role and influence within the Igbo community and the country.
Dame Jonathan expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reiterated her commitment to working towards the unity and development of the Igbo people and Nigeria as a whole. She closed her address by emphasizing the importance of love, peace, and mutual respect as cornerstones of any successful society.
As the 2027 elections draw near, the former First Lady’s clear message puts to rest any speculation about her husband’s potential candidacy, while also encouraging Nigerians, particularly the Igbo, to focus on unity, love, and national progress above personal or political ambitions.
