Prince Kassim Afegbua, a former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, has strongly opposed calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest in the 2027 presidential election, during an interview with Daily Independent on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
He argued that Nigerians voted Jonathan out in 2015 due to what he described as mismanagement of the country.
Afegbua said Jonathan’s presidency was marked by confusion in leadership.
He claimed that the government had too many influential figures who acted as though they were also in charge.
He listed Jonathan’s wife, Patience Jonathan, and key officials such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and Stella Oduah as individuals who wielded excessive power during that period.
According to him, such interference weakened governance and contributed to Jonathan’s defeat at the polls.
He stressed that Nigerians cannot afford a return to that era.
Afegbua explained that the situation created mistrust in government and left citizens frustrated.
He warned that a Jonathan comeback would drag the country backward instead of moving it forward.
Turning to the present administration, Afegbua praised President Bola Tinubu for what he called bold economic reforms.
He said Tinubu is consolidating Nigeria’s economic direction by introducing policies aimed at stability.
He added that these policies are gradually building confidence among investors who are beginning to see Nigeria as a more reliable environment for business.
Afegbua argued that the difference between Jonathan and Tinubu lies in approach to governance.
He said Tinubu is already making tough decisions to correct economic challenges, while Jonathan lacked firmness during his time in office.
He maintained that leadership goes beyond kindness and requires courage, boldness, and clear policies.
”It was because of the mismanagement of the country under President Jonathan that made Nigerians remove him with their votes in 2015.
Under his presidency, we had almost four other ‘presidents’ – the likes of Madam Patience Jonathan, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Diezani Alison-Madueke and Stella Oduah. See, More, Here>>>>
We don’t want a repeat of that era in 2027. President Bola Tinubu is already consolidating our economic trajectory,” he said.
