Dare Babalola
The convener of a coalition backing former President Goodluck Jonathan for a possible return to office, Dr Tom Ohikere, has said Nigeria needs healing, unity and stability, describing the former leader as the most suitable figure to rebuild trust across the country.
Ohikere, a former Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, made the remarks during an interview with Arise News on Friday while speaking on the group’s recent mobilisation campaign in Lagos.
According to him, Nigeria is currently facing deep political and economic challenges that require an experienced and widely acceptable leader.
“Nigerians today are in need of healing. We are in need of stability and national inclusion. Former President Goodluck Jonathan is remembered as a leader who governed with humility, restraint and respect for democratic values,” he said.
“At a time when the country appears divided, many believe his return can help restore trust across political and religious lines. He is the man of the moment.”
Ohikere dismissed criticism that many supporters campaigning for Jonathan’s return were too young to understand his administration, insisting those who participated in the recent rally were adults and carefully selected.
“I disagree with that view. Those who attended were of voting age. We did not gather people randomly. We consulted community and political leaders before the outing, and the least among them is 18 years old,” he stated.
He also defended concerns over Jonathan’s age, arguing that the former president, at 68, remains younger than several political figures expected to contest future elections.
“People talk about age, but Jonathan is among the younger names being mentioned. We have people in their late seventies still contesting. So age should not be an issue,” he said.
Reacting to Jonathan’s recent remark that contesting for the presidency is “not a computer game,” Ohikere said the former president was only stressing the seriousness of the electoral process.
“He should not be misunderstood. What he meant is that running for president is not something done casually. It is a serious and demanding process,” he explained.
Ohikere expressed confidence that Jonathan would eventually declare his intention to run, although no formal announcement had been made.
“He has not accepted yet, but in the fullness of time he will speak. Nigerians should be patient,” he said.
On questions surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility, Ohikere argued that legal concerns had already been settled years ago by a court in Yenagoa.
“That matter was addressed long ago. The legal window for challenging it has passed. The law does not work backwards,” he added.
He further suggested that renewed interest in the issue may be politically motivated.
“Why is the matter coming up now? Nigerians should ask who is behind it,” he said.
When asked which political platform Jonathan may use if he decides to contest, Ohikere declined to disclose details, saying the former president would make his position known at the appropriate time.
“He will announce that himself when the time comes. I know the platform, but it is not yet for public discussion,” he said.
Comparing Jonathan’s record with current realities, Ohikere said Nigeria’s present economic hardship was the result of mistakes made over the years by successive administrations.
“We are suffering today from accumulated errors of the past,” he said.
He also recalled Jonathan’s attempt to remove fuel subsidy during his administration, saying the former president reversed the policy after public resistance because he was sensitive to the feelings of citizens.
“He attempted subsidy removal, but he listened to the people and reviewed the decision. That shows he is people-oriented,” he said.
Ohikere maintained that Jonathan’s experience at different levels of governance — from deputy governor to president — makes him one of the most qualified figures for leadership.
“We are in a difficult situation as a country. We need someone tested, someone who can reshape and transform Nigeria. Among those being mentioned, Jonathan has one of the widest ranges of experience,” he said.
He added that the former president would remain a formidable contender if he joins the 2027 presidential race.
“In terms of electoral strength, I believe he is the man to beat because he possesses what many Nigerians are looking for,” he stated.
