Leave Goodluck Jonathan Alone-Contesting in 2027 is Not a Crime That Will Soil His Integrity_By: Ebikabowei Kedikumo

Lately, I keep hearing all sorts of noise: “If Jonathan contests in 2027, his name will be dragged in the mud.”, he will tarnish his good name"" "those who want Jonathan to contest are enemies" blablabla.

Really? Since when did contesting an election become a crime? Since when did offering to serve your country turn into bad character or behaviour that stains a person’s reputation?  

 Jonathan is a Niger Delta man -- our brother.  As President, he carried himself with dignity. Out of power, he has carried himself with even greater dignity.  He left office peacefully, without any messy drama, and with a historic line that shook the world:  

“My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”

Whether he wins or loses in 2027 will never erase the honour God has placed on his head.  

Politics belongs to every Nigerian, not a closed club reserved for a select few or selected tribes.

Jonathan has the right to run. He has influence, experience, and global respect.  When he speaks, the entire political space pauses.  When he  coughs,, the ruling party gets nervous., political heavy weights from the North, East, South and West tremble.

That is the kind of voice Niger Delta needs in Abuja -- strong, respected, and listened to nationwide 

So why are we pushing discouraging him?  

Contesting is not stealing.  

It is not corruption.  

It is simply saying to the people: “Do you want me?"

If they say no, life goes on.  

If they say yes, he serves.  

It is that simple.  

Instead of chasing him from the race, we should be shouting: “Go ahead, Jonathan!”  

If one of our own can take a shot at the biggest seat in the land,

we should stand behind him, not hide him in a corner.  

Win or lose, Jonathan will remain respected worldwide.  But if we push him out with discouraging words, we send the wrong message -- that Niger Delta people don’t deserve the presidency.  That is a message I will never support.  

As for me, I’m clear: Jonathan should contest. When he does, I will stand beside him with 100% moral support and deep pride.  And I believe that everyone from the Niger Delta who values dignity, equity, and representation should do the same.  

Let us defend our own.  

Let us stop condemning his ambition.  

Because running for office is not a crime -- it is democracy in action.

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO