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Rufai Oseni Questions Jonathan’s Capacity Amid Fresh 2027 Presidential Calls

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Promise Odejide

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Veteran broadcaster Rufai Oseni has questioned whether former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan still has the capacity to revive Nigeria’s struggling economy amid renewed calls for his possible return to power ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a viral edition of his QuickTakes programme on Arise TV, Rufai said Jonathan has every constitutional right to contest again, but insisted Nigerians must honestly assess whether the former president can handle the country’s current economic realities.

Rufai Questions Jonathan’s Readiness

“Dear President Jonathan, do you really, really think you have what it takes to be able to revamp the ailing economy?” Rufai asked during the broadcast.

The media personality noted that many of the same political actors now urging Jonathan to contest were among those who strongly criticised his administration before the 2015 election.

He questioned why the former president was once seen as unfit to lead Nigeria, but is now being projected by some groups as a possible solution to the nation’s problems.

“But the question is, for those that have touted Jonathan to run, these were the same people that said a lot of things about him in 2015,” he said.

Peter Obi Mentioned in Political Speculations

Rufai also referenced political speculations suggesting Jonathan’s possible return could affect the support base of Labour Party figure Peter Obi if he eventually joins the presidential race.

According to the broadcaster, some political observers believe influential figures may be considering Jonathan as a strategy to divide Obi’s supporters because of the former president’s popularity among many Nigerians.

Concerns Over Economy and Governance

The journalist went further to highlight Nigeria’s worsening economic and social conditions, including forex instability, rising poverty, corruption, and challenges within the oil sector.

He stressed that the country currently needs energetic leadership capable of tackling multiple national crises at the same time.

“An economy that over 63% of people live in abject poverty. An economy that needs a lot of vigour. An economy that needs to fight corruption,” Rufai stated.

He also mentioned lingering issues surrounding Nigeria’s refineries and ongoing efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to rehabilitate them.

Legal Questions May Surface

Rufai additionally pointed to recent court rulings concerning eligibility for individuals who have previously taken the presidential oath twice, suggesting legal debates may also emerge if Jonathan eventually decides to contest.

Ending his remarks, the broadcaster directly addressed the former president, saying: “Good luck, Ebele Jonathan. You’ve always had luck following you. Mr President, can you do it?”

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