The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, has urged former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan not to contest the 2027 presidential election, warning that a return to partisan politics could diminish the statesmanlike reputation he currently enjoys across Africa and beyond.
Speaking during the first session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja in Abuja, the Anglican leader said Jonathan had already secured a place in history as a symbol of democratic maturity and peaceful leadership, particularly following his widely commended concession of defeat in 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,” Ndukuba said before a gathering of clerics, political figures and worshippers.
“Be the senior citizen that you should be. 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.”
The remarks come amid increasing political conversations around the 2027 general election and speculation over whether Jonathan could be persuaded to re-enter Nigeria’s political arena.
Jonathan, who attended the Synod and delivered a goodwill message, avoided direct comments on the 2027 presidency but instead called for national reflection, moral rebirth and responsible leadership in the face of worsening insecurity and social decline.
The former president lamented what he described as a growing national desensitisation to violence and bloodshed, warning that Nigerians were gradually becoming accustomed to tragedies that once united the country in grief and outrage.
“As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society,” Jonathan said.
“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.”
He said the normalisation of killings and destruction represented a dangerous erosion of the national conscience.
“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values,” he added.
Jonathan also warned about the influence of technology and digital platforms in spreading harmful social values, saying many destructive behaviours were now celebrated rather than condemned.
“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good,” he said.
“This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn.”
He stressed that religious institutions remained essential in preserving moral standards and national stability, urging the Church to continue acting as the conscience of society.
“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly examples,” Jonathan stated.
The former president further emphasised the importance of integrity-driven leadership, saying national progress depended largely on courageous leaders willing to speak the truth and defend justice.
“Leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth,” he said.
“We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal.”
In a symbolic moment during the Synod, Emmanuel Egbunu, Bishop of Lokoja Diocese, led prayers for Jonathan and used the former president as a point of contact in praying for Nigeria’s political leaders and national unity.
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