Public Affairs Analyst Dayo Akintobi has thrown his weight behind comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, dismissing efforts by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to draft former President into the 2027 presidential race.
Akintobi made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, on Friday, 5 June, 2026, while reacting to reports that a group led by former Jigawa State Governor has been promoting Jonathan as a possible presidential candidate for the PDP ahead of the next general election.
The analyst was responding to Wike’s criticism of the initiative. The FCT minister had reportedly mocked the Turaki-led faction, arguing that those championing Jonathan’s candidacy were wasting their time because the former president was unlikely to enter the race.
According to Akintobi, Wike’s assessment reflects the reality of the situation, as there is little evidence that Jonathan is considering a return to active partisan politics.
“For him to be mocking the Saminu Turaki faction saying they are wasting their time, they can promote Jonathan candidacy all they want, it’s dead on arrival”. I don’t even think it’s dead on arrival, I think it’s not even happening at all,” Akintobi said.
The comments come amid increasing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures exploring potential candidates capable of challenging the ruling party. Jonathan’s name has repeatedly surfaced in political discussions because of his national profile and his experience as president between 2010 and 2015.