Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has dismissed calls for the return of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 general elections, stating that Nigeria's problems go far beyond changing faces in power. In a recent interview, Farotimi argued that what the country truly needs is a complete overhaul of its governance structures, not a recycled leadership class.
Leadership Change is Not the Solution
Asked whether Goodluck Jonathan could be a viable candidate to challenge the ruling APC, Farotimi responded bluntly:
“A thousand Goodluck Ebele Jonathans cannot solve Nigeria’s problems. Our issues are structural, not personal.”
He pointed out the irony of the current political rhetoric: the same Jonathan who was once vilified and removed in 2015 is now being touted as a potential savior.
“We are going back to dig up the past, just as we did when we brought in the current administration. Nothing will change until we address the systemic failures that enable poor governance.”
The Illusion of Saviours
Farotimi criticized the idea that Nigeria’s salvation lies in the hands of a single figure, saying:
“We’re not looking for saviours; we need to build systems. How do you rebrand the failure of 2015 into a saint by 2025? We must focus on sustainable structures, not messianic leadership.”
He emphasized that replacing President Bola Tinubu without reforming the system that produced him—and others like him—would be futile.
No Real Political Class, Just Opportunists
On how systemic change could occur, Farotimi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s political elite:
“We do not have a political class in Nigeria. What we have are individuals obsessed with survival and self-enrichment, not nation-building.”
He described them as lacking vision and any form of long-term thinking, saying their only interest in reviving figures like Jonathan is that it presents a “safe option” for maintaining the status quo.
“If change is coming in 2027, then we must ask: what does it mean for education, agriculture, security, telecoms, and federal structure? Without that interrogation, we’re just recycling failure.”
On Peter Obi’s One-Term Proposal
Farotimi also weighed in on Peter Obi’s idea of a one-term presidency, first raised during the 2023 election cycle. While he wasn’t opposed to the notion, he urged deeper analysis:
“What matters is not the duration, but the agenda. Obasanjo had eight years. Buhari had eight years and wrecked the country. Tinubu has had two years and pushed us back 50 years.”
He challenged leaders to present concrete plans rather than symbolic pledges.
“If I ever run for office, I’d only need two years to do what needs to be done. Vision is not about time; it’s about substance.”
Neglected Pensioners and Structural Injustice
Farotimi expressed outrage at the state of pensioners in Nigeria, many of whom are owed years of unpaid entitlements.
“In Ekiti State, some retirees haven’t been paid a dime in over 15 years. What we’re dealing with is functional enslavement under a system that’s designed to extract from the people and enrich the elite.”
He criticized the luxury lifestyles of Nigerian leaders, contrasting it with the neglect of basic public needs like primary education and welfare.
“Our leaders have yachts, jets, and globe-trotting privileges, while pensioners beg for what they’ve earned. It’s a system that was never meant to work for the people.”
Conclusion
Farotimi’s central message is clear: changing leaders without reforming Nigeria’s political and governance systems is a dead-end strategy. He calls for a people-driven movement that demands structural change, not just a reshuffling of familiar faces.
“If anything is going to change, it must come from the people looking in the mirror—not waiting for another recycled messiah.”
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