Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned those urging ex- President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Wike warned that such moves could destabilize the country.

He stated this on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme Thursday night.

He described the campaign as hypocritical, recalling how many of the same voices abandoned Jonathan during his failed 2015 re-election bid.

“Anybody saying Jonathan should return because he will only do one term is only looking for a crisis.

“These are the same people who frustrated him in 2015. Why now? Jonathan has made a name for himself globally, and they just want to drag him into unnecessary conflict,” he said.

The minister argued that fronting Jonathan or any southern candidate, under the guise of a “one-term presidency”, was a ploy lacking sincerity and a threat to Nigeria’s political balance.

On the state of the nation, Wike admitted that Nigerians were facing economic hardship but maintained that President Bola Tinubu had taken “tough but necessary decisions” to reposition the economy.

“Yes, there is hardship, I agree. But no one can deny that this government is making efforts to improve things. I see the projects in Abuja daily; they are evidence that something is happening,” he added.

He also dismissed recent warnings by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar about a looming revolution over hunger and poverty, accusing him of hypocrisy.

“Atiku was vice president for eight years. Why didn’t he lay the foundation to prevent hunger then? Now he keeps talking about hunger and revolution.

“For me, I don’t even bother reading what he says, because there is no truth in it,” Wike stated.

Wike stressed that while Nigerians must remain patient with the Tinubu administration, opposition figures should not exploit current economic challenges for political gain.

There has been push for Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race.

In August, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said that the Peoples Democratic Party was considering Jonathan and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as possible candidates for its 2027 presidential ticket.

Mohammed described Jonathan as “one of the most celebrated politicians in Nigeria today” and said the party would welcome him back if he decided to return and contest.

“Certainly, former President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are considering if he joins us and opens his mind to run,” Mohammed said. (The PUNCH)