A well-known political commentator and analyst, Dennis Sami, has passionately called on former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to make a bold return to the country’s political arena by contesting in the highly anticipated 2027 presidential election.
Sami, in a detailed opinion piece shared publicly, argued that in Nigeria’s dynamic and often turbulent political environment, power is not merely handed over or received as a gift but rather seized through unwavering determination, strategic planning, and persistent effort. He drew inspiration from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who despite setbacks and controversies, managed to make a remarkable return to the political stage, urging Jonathan to adopt a similar fighting spirit.
According to Sami, Jonathan’s original rise to power — from Deputy Governor to Governor of Bayelsa State, then Vice President, and eventually President following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua — was largely attributed to a series of unexpected events rather than calculated political scheming. Many Nigerians viewed Jonathan’s ascent as a divine intervention, with minimal involvement in the so-called ‘dirty game’ of politics.
Sami, however, insisted that the realities of today’s Nigerian politics demand a new approach, emphasizing resilience and boldness. He pointed out that the influence of powerful political godfathers, coupled with electoral manipulation and systemic corruption, makes it almost impossible for credible leaders to emerge without fighting vigorously for their place.
Quoting the renowned playwright Ola Rotimi, Sami stated, “Since power is not given but taken, potential good leaders should not abandon politics because they see it as dirty. Rather, they should unite under a common vision and take over leadership for the benefit of the people.”
He further argued that, similar to Donald Trump, Jonathan did not depend on any political godfather to rise to power, and both leaders faced fierce political opposition and manipulation that led to their exit from office. However, while Trump took a bold step to return and reclaim influence, Jonathan has so far stayed away from active politics despite repeated calls from different quarters urging him to return.
Sami passionately urged Jonathan to reconsider, stating, “Jonathan shares a unique similarity with Trump. They both faced betrayal and manipulation, but Trump fought back with courage and was able to make a significant comeback. Jonathan can channel this same energy and determination for the greater good of Nigeria.”
He also highlighted that Nigeria is currently grappling with serious challenges such as severe economic crises, rising insecurity, unemployment, and inflation that have left millions of citizens struggling daily. Sami believes that Jonathan’s rich experience and calm approach to governance could help stabilize the nation and restore hope among Nigerians.
Furthermore, he mentioned that several prominent voices and influential figures across different regions of the country have been publicly calling on Jonathan to return to active politics, believing he possesses the vision and maturity needed to navigate Nigeria out of its current state of hardship and division.
Sami concluded his statement by asserting that Jonathan's previous achievements, diplomatic acumen, and deep understanding of the country’s complexities position him as an ideal candidate to lead Nigeria once again. He strongly advised Jonathan not to shy away from this historic opportunity but instead seize it courageously for the sake of the nation’s future.
As anticipation for the 2027 elections continues to build, this call has further ignited debates among political analysts, citizens, and Jonathan’s supporters, many of whom believe he still has a crucial role to play in shaping Nigeria’s destiny.