Former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke, has advised against mounting pressure on former President Goodluck Jonathan to stage a return to partisan politics, cautioning that such a move could diminish the global stature he has attained since leaving office.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Duke described the ongoing speculation about Jonathan’s potential political comeback as concerning, insisting that his present role as an elder statesman delivers greater benefit to Nigeria than another presidential bid.
He noted that Jonathan has grown into one of the country’s most internationally recognised figures, whose reputation continues to generate diplomatic goodwill and positive perception for Nigeria abroad.
According to him, encouraging the former president to re-enter the electoral arena raises questions, especially as an unsuccessful attempt could erode the credibility he has carefully built over the years.
“I see him as one of the gatekeepers of the very best image of Nigeria. This is one personality whose name will open doors for Nigeria globally. Why do we want to confine him to the aspiration of another four years in office?”
Duke stressed that Jonathan’s time in office contributed meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic development, adding that his post-presidency engagements across Africa and beyond have further strengthened his standing as a respected statesman.
He argued that rather than expanding that influence, some political actors are attempting to draw Jonathan into what he termed a risky political calculation driven by personal or sectional interests.
The former minister further suggested that those advocating for Jonathan’s return may be seeking to capitalise on his reputation, warning that such involvement could expose him to unnecessary political attacks and scrutiny.
“I think it is unfortunate that people who have not yet been able to put their own house in order are now assuming that they can trade the integrity, overwhelming personality, and image of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as a pawn on the political dashboard,”
Duke expressed confidence that Jonathan fully understands the implications of re-entering frontline politics, adding that the former president is unlikely to jeopardise his long-term legacy for renewed electoral ambition.
He also dismissed comparisons with figures such as Donald Trump and John Mahama, arguing that Nigeria’s political landscape presents unique complexities that make such parallels unsuitable.
In his view, Jonathan’s experience would be better utilised in advisory or diplomatic roles where he can still contribute significantly to national and continental development without engaging in electoral competition.
Duke maintained that no political platform in Nigeria presently matches Jonathan’s profile and achievements, warning that another presidential contest could expose him to betrayal, heightened criticism, and unrealistic expectations.
He added that any administration, regardless of political affiliation, could still benefit from Jonathan’s knowledge and experience in shaping policy and governance direction.
Addressing speculation about a possible contest against President Bola Tinubu, Duke argued that the demands of nationwide campaigning would limit the former president’s ability to contribute more broadly to Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.
“I’d like to say with all due respect—that the experience of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would be valuable to this country through the eyes and the efforts of whoever emerges in the next presidential elections.
“Time is too short for you to offer Goodluck Ebele Jonathan a platform to go and campaign in 36 states of Nigeria, going from crooks and crannies and creeks in order to seek for support and votes. There’s no time for that.
“If we are alluring him into that kind of treacherous terrain, at the end of the day, we’ll have another program a couple of years from now where we will say, ‘Had we known, we probably would have provided a more reasonable platform of contribution, a more elevated pedestal for this distinguished gentleman to offer service to Nigeria, to offer service to Africa, and indeed, the global community.’”
He concluded that Jonathan’s legacy as a statesman should be preserved, warning that it should not be compromised by what he described as a politically risky venture.
