Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan to tread carefully as political pressures mount ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Delivering a keynote lecture at the high-profile democracy forum hosted in Accra Ghana by the former President’s foundation, Bishop Kukah praised Jonathan for his historic 2015 concession of defeat, describing it as a selfless act that saved Nigeria from bloodshed. He, however, warned the former president not to allow himself to be manipulated by politicians who may seek to exploit his influence for personal or sectional gains.
Quoting retired General Theophilus Danjuma, the cleric said, “Very often the voice of the devil is not so far from the voice of God. Listen very carefully to those who want to use you as an instrument for the elongation of their interests and not your interests or the interests of Nigeria. Think very clearly, pray very clearly. The final decision is your call.”
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2027 Election: Kukah’s Advice to Jonathan
Recalling the moment Jonathan conceded defeat in 2015, Bishop Kukah said it was one of the most decisive acts of leadership in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“When you took that decision on March 31, 2015, even before the elections had concluded, you answered what I consider a divine call. Despite having the military and all the paraphernalia of power around you, you chose peace over war. That singular action reversed the course of our history and gave Nigerians a torch of hope,” Kukah said.
He stressed that Jonathan’s legacy as a democrat rests on that courageous moment and urged him not to allow political schemers to tarnish it with selfish agendas in 2027.
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Bishop Kukah reminded Jonathan and other political leaders that democracy is fragile and must be nurtured with sacrifice and integrity. According to him, Nigeria’s progress depends on leaders who place the collective interest above personal ambition.
“Democracy will not die. The winds may blow, but the flames will never go out. We are all custodians of that flame. And that is why your role in 2027 must remain one of inspiration, not manipulation,” the Bishop concluded.
