Amadi: North May View Jonathan’s Return as Strategic Advantage

Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, has weighed in on the potential return of former President Goodluck Jonathan to Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the North’s possible strategic interest in his comeback.

In a report published by Daily Trust on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Dr. Amadi stated that Jonathan’s previous tenure was marked by significant contributions to the northern region, including infrastructure development, education, and other key investments that continue to yield positive outcomes.

Amadi suggested that many in the North may view Jonathan’s return as preferable to electing an untested candidate. “It is a situation where the familiar adversary is preferable to the unknown ally,” he said, referencing a sense of predictability in Jonathan’s leadership.

He further noted that Jonathan may have addressed Northern interests more effectively than his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, despite Buhari being from the region. According to Amadi, this perspective is gaining traction among some Northern political figures as they evaluate options ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The North stands to gain more with Jonathan’s return,” Amadi said, emphasizing that regional support for the former president reflects a broader understanding that political leadership should transcend geographical origin.

While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Jonathan’s political ambitions, Amadi underscored the enduring impact of former leaders’ legacies on current political dynamics.