Human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi has dismissed recent calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to make a political comeback in 2027, arguing that Nigeria’s challenges are deeply rooted in systemic issues that cannot be resolved by recycling past leaders.
In an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Farotimi cautioned against the tendency to focus on individuals rather than addressing the fundamental structural problems plaguing the nation. He emphasised that meaningful progress requires honest self-reflection and comprehensive reforms.
“A thousand Goodluck Ebele Jonathans cannot solve the problems of Nigeria. If we do not address our structural problems and tell ourselves the truth, nothing is going to change. They can recycle all these people as many times as they can,” Farotimi said.
He reminded viewers that Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, was widely criticised during his tenure and was eventually voted out in the 2015 general elections. Despite this, political actors are now attempting to reposition him as a “saviour” who can rescue Nigeria from its current difficulties.
“This push to bring back Goodluck Jonathan is not really about what is best for the Nigerian people,” Farotimi asserted. “It is about the political class looking for a safe option, someone they can work with or control. But Nigeria’s problems run far deeper than any one person.”
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The activist urged Nigerians to shift their focus from personalities to the bigger picture, highlighting the need for systemic reforms across critical sectors such as education, security, agriculture, and telecommunications.
“If we’re talking about change in 2027, what does that mean for education? What does it mean for security? For agriculture, telecoms, or the overall structure of the country?” he questioned. “Unless we fix these systems, no leader, old or new, will be able to deliver the kind of transformation Nigeria desperately needs.”
Farotimi concluded by calling on Nigerians to demand accountability and institutional reforms from their leaders rather than hoping for salvation from past politicians.
“The truth is, our salvation lies in strengthening our institutions and addressing corruption, inefficiency, and inequality head-on. Only then can Nigeria move forward,” he said.
