September 01, (THEWILL) — Former President Gooluck Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, has declared that the former Bayelsa governor is 100% qualified to contest the 2027 Presidential election.
THEWILL earlier reported the pressure on the former president by opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), to run for the residency in the next general election.
Although Jonathan has yet to formally declare his intention for 2027, but speculation about a possible comeback has already stirred fierce political debate. Opponents argue that such a move could unsettle zoning arrangements and jeopardise the South’s hold on the presidency.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), as well as Human Rights activist and legal scholar, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, had urged the PDP not to field Jonathan, arguing that constitutional hurdles stood in the way since he had already been sworn in twice as president.
Speaking on Monday in his verified Facebook page, Robert dismissed Keyamo and Odinkalu’s objections as irrelevant, stressing that Jonathan’s eligibility for the 2027 presidency was beyond doubt.
He wrote: “Dear Festus Keyamo (SAN), Chidi Odinkalu (Prof.), greetings. For the record, all three of us are lawyers and were pro-democracy activists in the ’90s. I was, in fact, a better activist than both of you combined.
“Rule No. 1: Do not offer legal advice where none is solicited. GEJ has at his disposal many more experienced, cerebral SANs who provide sound professional counsel.
“Please note: GEJ is 100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest if he chooses. If he decides not to yield to the overwhelming calls to run, it will not be because he is unqualified. Your unsolicited legal view is of no concern to him. Don’t waste your time.
“Or should I schedule a meeting so you can be properly educated on the existing court judgements — one of which your party, the APC, was directly involved in?
“This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
