Bode George Declares Jonathan’s Record Superior to Buhari and Tinubu, Sparks Heated Debate

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The ongoing discourse on Nigeria’s political leadership took a new twist as former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure as Nigeria’s leader was more commendable than those of the late Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu. His remarks, delivered in a recent interview with Arise Television, have reignited debates across political and social media circles about the legacies of past and present administrations.

George’s comments were made against the backdrop of suggestions that Jonathan may consider contesting the presidency in 2027. “But what is striking is the fact that they were comparing Jonathan’s period with Buhari and Bola’s period. How? Let the will of the people be respected,” he said, highlighting economic indicators such as inflation rates, the value of the Naira, and general living standards during Jonathan’s presidency versus subsequent administrations.

PDP’s Zamfara Chapter Reacts to Presidential Criticism

In a show of solidarity, the Zamfara State chapter of the PDP condemned attacks from the Presidency directed at Jonathan. Jamilu Magayaki, Chairman of PDP in Zamfara, described the criticisms as evidence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s apprehension over a potential political resurgence by the former president. According to Magayaki, the mere discussion of Jonathan’s return to politics sends “shivers down the spine” of the APC, underscoring the respect Nigerians had for the former leader’s democratic credentials, economic stability, and maintenance of peace.

George’s statement also attracted the attention of Tinubu’s former spokesperson in the South-East, Denge Josef Onoh, who affirmed Jonathan’s constitutional right to contest in 2027. Onoh’s clarification follows remarks by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, suggesting that Jonathan’s eligibility could become a subject of legal resolution.

APC Counters PDP Narrative

The APC, particularly through Lagos State spokesman Seye Oladejo, advised PDP members to let Jonathan enjoy his retirement from public office rather than “luring him into a final dance whose result is all too predictable.” Oladejo emphasized that elections should be about competence and delivery, not nostalgia or recycled rhetoric.

Public Reactions Reflect a Divided Nation

The Nairaland forum and other social media platforms erupted with mixed reactions following George’s declaration. Some users applauded the statement, asserting that Jonathan’s presidency was superior in terms of infrastructural projects, economic policies, and relative peace. A post highlighted that during Jonathan’s tenure, the cost of basic commodities was significantly lower: a 50kg bag of rice was sold at N7, spaghetti at N70 per sachet, and cement at N1,000 per bag. Major infrastructural projects, including the second Niger Bridge, Loko Weto bridge, Abuja-Kaduna railway, and Warri-Itakpe railway, were either started or near completion during his administration.

Conversely, critics argued that Jonathan’s administration borrowed heavily, particularly in 2014 when oil prices had declined, to meet salary obligations, and questioned the tangible achievements of his government. Some forum participants labelled his tenure as “a colossal disaster” while acknowledging his personal integrity, contrasting this with the perceived mismanagement under Buhari and Tinubu.

Key Infrastructural and Economic Achievements

Supporters of Jonathan point to multiple developments across Nigeria during his administration:

• Initiation and near-completion of strategic transport infrastructure, including railways and bridges.
• Renovation of Port Harcourt and Warri port terminals.
• Development of new federal universities and almajiri schools to improve educational access.
• Distribution of Sure-P buses to mitigate transport challenges following fuel price adjustments.
• Commencement of River Niger dredging to improve waterways and trade.

Proponents argue these tangible projects and relative price stability demonstrate Jonathan’s focus on national development, contrasting with economic hardships and inflation witnessed in the post-Jonathan era.

The Road to 2027

With the 2027 presidential election approaching, discussions about Jonathan’s potential candidacy continue to provoke political speculation. Analysts note that regardless of personal opinions on his tenure, Jonathan’s record remains a benchmark for evaluating subsequent administrations.

Observers believe that the current debate underscores deeper public dissatisfaction with present leadership and highlights the political capital Jonathan still holds within the PDP and the broader electorate.

As the nation inches closer to 2027, voices like Bode George’s serve as a reminder of the ongoing contestation over historical legacies and future governance directions in Nigeria.

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