Jonathan visits IBB amidst plot to drag him into 2027 presidency

By Ayox Ojo with NAN report

Amidst calls by some segments of the political class that he should join the race for the 2027 presidential election, former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday visited the Hilltop residence of former Military President, Retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in Minna, Niger State.

Jonathan led other well-wishers on a visit to Babangida on the occasion of his 84th birthday.

The Minna hilltop residence of Babangida has over the years becomes a ‘mecca’ for aspirants and candidates for presidential election in Nigeria.

Jonathan’s visit came against the background of some politicians and groups opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu especially from the Northern part of the country calling on him to join the 2027 election.

The Northern groups want Jonathan to join the race to complete the eight-year for the Southern part of the country in the presidency if Tinubu was not re-elected.

But during the visit, Jonathan did not speak on the plan to drag him into the 2027 presidential election.

Rather, he poured encomiums on Babangida, describing the former military president as a committed leader who always stood for the unity of the country.

“Nigeria has produced leaders since independence, but Gen. Babangida stands out clearly as one of those who want the best for the country,” Jonathan said.

He said this was why the residence of the former military President has remained a Mecca of sort to Nigerians because of his leadership qualities.

“That is why today, his house is like a Mecca of sort. People come to him regularly, and that tells you a lot about the character of IBB,” he said.

According to him, Babangida never sees himself as a sectional leader, but as one who believes in the unity of Nigeria.

Jonathan said that the former military president would continue to be celebrated because of his contributions to national unity.

“Our prayer for him is for God to grant him long life so that he can continue to mentor the younger ones to follow his exemplary footsteps,” he stated.

The highlights of the low-key birthday were prayers and symbolic gifts from well-wishers.