Ex-President Jonathan Sends Strong Message to APC, ADC, NDC, Other Political Parties Ahead of 2027

According to report by Vanguard on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerian politicians to place the interests of the country above party loyalty, ethnic considerations and personal ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Jonathan made the call at the 5th National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), held in Abuja from October 20 to 21.

He stressed that Nigeria remained bigger than the All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and every other political party.

Represented at the event by former Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari, Jonathan said political activities could only thrive in a peaceful and stable country.

He therefore called for stronger democratic institutions, national unity and improved governance.

He warned that ethnic, religious and regional divisions remained serious threats to Nigeria’s political development, urging leaders to promote competence, integrity, inclusion and national interest.

According to him, political positions are temporary, but decisions taken by officeholders can affect generations.

He consequently charged former public officials to mentor younger politicians and encourage responsible leadership.

Jonathan, who previously served as deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State before becoming vice-president and president, said his experience had taught him the importance of consultation, teamwork, patience and strong institutions.

The FFDGN National Chairman, Dr Chris Alozie Akomas, also challenged political leaders to replace arrogance with humility and accountability.

He warned that power without character could become destructive, while governance without empathy would have little meaning.

Akomas said the growing disconnect between leaders and ordinary Nigerians was undermining national development and public trust.

He maintained that sustainable development required more than policies, budgets and laws, stressing the need for integrity and ethical conduct.

Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, urged Nigerians to turn their diversity into a strength while criticising ethnic politics and the lack of continuity between successive administrations.

Ganduje said political conflicts between former and serving governors often resulted in abandoned projects and programmes.

He also criticised Nigerian political parties for weak ideological foundations, saying defections were frequently motivated by personal interests.

Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, said the widening gap between government policies and citizens’ daily realities had weakened public confidence.

He called for a stronger social contract based on accountability, inclusion and shared responsibility.

The conference brought together political leaders, diplomats, academics, business representatives, youth and women groups, and professional organisations to discuss sustainable nation-building.

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