Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned those urging former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election against incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Wike cautioned that such a move could plunge the country into crisis.

“Anybody saying Jonathan should return because he will only do one term is only looking for a crisis,” he said.

Speaking on Channels TV programme Politics Today on Thursday, the minister described those canvassing for the ex-president as hypocrites.

He recalled that the same people who had pushed for Mr Jonathan’s return abandoned him after he lost his 2015 re-election bid to former president, the late Muhammadu Buhari.

“These are the same people who frustrated him in 2015. Why now? Jonathan has made a name for himself globally, and they just want to drag him into unnecessary conflict,” Mr Wike added.

There have been political alignments and realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with some groups pushing for Mr Jonathan to contest against Mr Tinubu.

Although Mr Tinubu has not officially declared his interest in seeking re-election, various support groups have pledged loyalty and commitment to his second-term bid.

Recall that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, recently claimed that the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was considering Mr Jonathan and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as possible candidates for its 2027 presidential ticket.

“Certainly, former President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are considering if he joins us and opens his mind to run,” Mr Mohammed said.