Abati Declares Calls for Jonathan's 2027 Presidential Bid as Vindication for His Administration
Media personality and former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has stated that the recent appeals for former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election serve as a clear vindication of his time in office. During an interview on Arise TV on the morning of April 9, Abati, who previously served as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity under Jonathan, elaborated on the significance of these calls.
Reflecting on Past Harassment and Political Fallout
Abati recounted that shortly after Jonathan left office in 2015, he faced intense scrutiny and harassment, with his family also being targeted by the Buhari administration. He emphasized that those who worked alongside Jonathan were subjected to derogatory labels and public criticism during this period. According to Abati, this treatment painted a bleak picture of Jonathan's legacy, but the current resurgence of support has dramatically shifted the narrative.
Divine Intervention and Reputation Restoration
In his remarks, Abati described the calls for Jonathan's return as a form of divine justice, where God has allegedly put the former president's enemies to shame. He used the metaphor of "locust worms" to illustrate how Jonathan's reputation was consumed after his departure, only to be restored over time. Abati highlighted that this restoration has led to a growing perception among some Nigerians that Jonathan could be a solution for the country's future, though he noted that Jonathan himself has not shown explicit enthusiasm for another run.
Jonathan's Current Standing and Political Future
Abati pointed out that Jonathan now occupies a secure position as a respected elder statesman, with his credentials widely recognized. He suggested that while Jonathan remains non-committal about a 2027 bid, the renewed interest in his leadership underscores a reevaluation of his administration's impact. This development, Abati argued, reflects a broader political shift and a potential reassessment of past governance in Nigeria.
