Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to move with caution amid growing calls for him to run in the 2027 presidential race. Speaking at the Democracy Dialogue of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, Kukah praised Jonathan’s 2015 concession as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s democracy.
Kukah described that concession as an act of sacrifice and honour that restored hope in democratic governance. He reminded the audience that Mr. Jonathan had the power and instruments of state at his disposal in 2015, yet chose peace and the rule of law instead of force.
Referencing Jonathan’s own account in My Transition Hours, Kukah said that the decision appeared to be guided by conscience and a higher calling rather than political calculation. He argued that such choices helped show Nigerians what dignity and honour in leadership should look like.
But Kukah also warned the former president to be wary of those who might try to use him for other people’s ambitions. Quoting former Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma, he said: “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.”
Kukah urged Jonathan to take time to reflect, pray and let conscience and the national interest guide any decision about returning to active politics. He made clear that while he respects Jonathan deeply — even excusing himself from a bishops’ conference to attend — the final call must come from Jonathan alone.
In closing, Kukah repeated his plea for careful thought and spiritual guidance, leaving the choice firmly in Jonathan’s hands: think clearly, pray clearly — the decision is yours.
