The political maxim “Power is not given, but taken” resonates deeply in Nigeria’s democracy, where electoral manipulation by influential “godfathers” often overshadows the will of the people, as highlighted in a July 2, 2025, opinion piece. Unlike many Nigerian politicians who rely on money and godfathers to secure power through backdoor tactics, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s ascent to the presidency in 2010 exemplifies a rare case of unassuming loyalty and divine timing. Rising from Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State in 1999 to Governor in 2005 after Diepriye Alamieyeseigha’s impeachment, Jonathan was selected as Vice President under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007. Following Yar’Adua’s death in 2010, Jonathan assumed the presidency without maneuvering, respecting the Supreme Court’s ruling, and later won the 2011 election, focusing on policies for Nigeria’s growth. His restraint during Yar’Adua’s incapacitation and humility in mourning his boss set him apart in a political landscape marred by opportunism.
The piece argues that Nigeria’s leadership crisis stems from electoral manipulation, with godfathers overriding voter choice, leading to voter apathy (evident in the 27% turnout in 2023, INEC) and poor governance, as seen in public dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration amid 33.9% inflation (NBS April 2025) and 2,500 terrorism deaths in Q1 2025 (ACLED). It draws parallels between Jonathan and U.S. President Donald Trump, both seen as untainted by godfatherism and victims of electoral setbacks (Jonathan in 2015, Trump in 2020). Trump’s resilience in securing a second term in 2024 inspires calls for Jonathan to contest in 2027, leveraging his proven record and public trust to address inflation, insecurity, and economic instability. Posts on X, like @Naija_PR and @SaharaReporters, reflect growing clamor for Jonathan’s return, with @ChuksEricE citing his 2011–2015 achievements, such as the 7.8% GDP growth peak (NBS 2014), though @BashirAhmaad questions his electability against APC’s dominance.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently bolstered by Rauf Aregbesola and Nasir El-Rufai’s appointments as interim leaders, is positioned as a potential platform for Jonathan, aligning with its ideological focus on justice and development (web:0). The piece urges potential leaders like Jonathan to resist viewing politics as a “dirty game” and unite to “take” power for the people, echoing Ola Rotimi’s call to reject resignation to fate. Jonathan’s 2011–2015 policies, like the YouWin entrepreneurship program and power sector reforms, are cited as evidence of his capability to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and reduce fuel prices, addressing current public grievances (87% dissatisfaction, Afrobarometer 2024).
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