Farotimi Dismisses Goodluck Jonathan Comeback Talk, Says Nigeria’s Problems Are Structural
By IDNN Politics & Governance Desk
Dele Farotimi on Goodluck Jonathan return — the activist-lawyer says the conversation misses the point entirely.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Farotimi argued that replacing President Bola Tinubu with any former leader, including Jonathan, would do little without tackling Nigeria’s systemic dysfunction.
“A thousand Goodluck Ebele Jonathans cannot solve the problems of Nigeria. If we don’t address our structural problems, nothing will change,” he said.
Critique of Political Recycling
Farotimi recalled that Jonathan was “horribly vilified” before leaving office in 2015, with promises of better governance from his successors. Ten years on, he said, Nigeria is facing the same challenges — proof that the system, not just the individuals, is broken.
He warned against political “messiah” narratives, calling instead for institution-building and governance reforms.
“If you remove Tinubu today without touching the system that produced our leaders, you’ve achieved nothing,” he said.
Bigger Picture Ahead of 2027
His remarks come amid speculation about political realignments before the 2027 elections. Farotimi urged Nigerians to focus on restructuring, decentralisation, and strengthening institutions rather than recycling elites who have already been in power.
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