The Presidency has officially responded to widespread rumors regarding former President Goodluck Jonathan's potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election. This reaction follows a statement by elder statesman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana, who affirmed that Jonathan intends to contest on the platform of the PDP. While acknowledging Jonathan's constitutional right to run, President Bola Tinubu's spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, raised significant concerns about both his eligibility and his past economic record, drawing a stark contrast with the current administration's achievements.

Onanuga stated that the eligibility of former President Jonathan, who has been sworn in twice, would ultimately be a matter for the courts to decide, questioning whether he satisfies the constitutional requirements to be sworn in for a third term if successful. Furthermore, the Presidency cautioned Jonathan to be wary of "sugar-coated cheerleaders" like Jerry Gana, suggesting that such politicians merely seek to lure him into the race for their own personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests, and would likely abandon him as they did in 2015.

The Presidency launched a strong critique of Jonathan's six-year tenure, describing it as a period that "bequeathed a legacy of economic ruins" and left the country in dire straits. It highlighted that his regime, devoid of a clear economic agenda, engaged in frivolous spending, which led to the nation's economic downturn. Specific allegations included the depletion of foreign reserves from $46 billion and the Excess Crude Account from $20 billion (totaling $66 billion) in 2010 to below $30 billion and $2 billion respectively by 2015. This significant decline occurred despite record crude oil revenues, with prices averaging $100 per barrel between 2010 and 2013.

Further criticisms included accusations of business moguls allocating foreign exchange to import fuel but pocketing the dollars without actual importation, and the distribution of security funds to friends and cronies by Jonathan and his National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). The Presidency also pointed out that by December 2014, the Jonathan-led Federal Government could no longer pay salaries to civil servants, and at least 28 states owed workers huge arrears.

In sharp contrast, the Presidency showcased President Tinubu's administration's efforts and achievements over the past 28 months. It highlighted "bold decisions" such as the removal of the ruinous fuel subsidy and the abolition of multiple exchange rates, which had facilitated arbitrage. These reforms, according to the statement, have stabilized the economy, leading to a GDP growth of 4.23% in Q2 2025, the highest in four years, and a decrease in inflation to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest in three years. Foreign reserves currently stand at $42.03 billion, the Naira has virtually stabilized, and investor confidence has been restored.

The Presidency further elaborated on ongoing developmental initiatives, including the boosting of road infrastructure with the reconstruction of old roads and the commencement of new ones like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. It also mentioned the government's efforts in addressing security issues across parts of the country. The concluding message from the Presidency was clear: while Jonathan and others are welcome to join the 2027 race, "millions of Nigerians who will not easily forget the recent past will not allow them to return to run it down again." As of the latest reports, former President Jonathan has not yet formally declared his intention, and his media office has not responded to Onanuga’s remarks.