The presidency on Monday welcomed former President Goodluck Jonathan to the 2027 presidential election race, saying it is his inalienable right to contest.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, welcomed the potential entry of former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential election race.

However, Onanuga’s welcome was framed by a sharp critique, as he stated that Nigerians would certainly remember what he described as Jonathan’s “disastrous record” in office.

​The presidential spokesman also took the opportunity to dismiss recent remarks made by Professor Jerry Gana.

Professor Gana had suggested that Jonathan could potentially return to the race on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform and successfully defeat the incumbent, President Tinubu, in the 2027 polls.

​Despite the firm dismissal of Jonathan’s chances, Onanuga maintained a public position of non-interference, stating clearly that Jonathan reserves the right to run if he wishes.

He added that “President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race.”

​Nevertheless, Onanuga concluded his remarks with a veiled warning, asserting that Jonathan would ultimately face a dual challenge.

According to the presidential aide, the former president will have to contend with a “date in the court of the land on his eligibility” as well as an “encounter with the people over his dismal record.”

Onanuga accused Jonathan of running the economy aground between 2010 and 2015, citing depleted reserves, mismanagement of oil revenues, and diversion of security funds.

He, however, noted that President Bola Tinubu has stabilised the economy, reformed fuel and forex policies, grown GDP by 4.23% in Q2 2025, reduced inflation to 20.12%, and restored investor confidence.

“The nation has turned the corner. The PDP broke the economy; President Tinubu is fixing it,” he said.