By Tosin Olatokunbo
Speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan will run for the president in 2023 has been put to rest, at least for now, by the former leader who said contesting the highest office in the country is not his immediate priority.
Jonathan who left power in 2015 after losing to President Muhammadu Buhari has been touted among politicians eyeing the exalted position again after serving as president from 2011 to 2015.
Recently, it was suggested that some top echelon of the All Progressives Congress, APC are planning to drag him into the presidential race. Some APC stalwarts even visited the former leader late last year, a move many considered to be a consultation with the Otuoke, Bayelsa born politician over his political future.
But, speaking on the 2023 presidential race Jonathan said he has moved on after losing the presidential election to the incumbent and no longer interested in the office. He explained that he has now dedicated his service to serving God and serving humanity.
Jonathan disclosed this when he paid a condolence visit to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state over the death of his father. .
The ex president said.”On the rumour of my interest in the 2023 presidential election, it is mere speculation. I will continue to serve God, humanity, Africa and the world to the best of his ability and with all sense of commitment and sincerity.”
Meanwhile, some watchers of the nation’s politics told the magazine that all has not be heard, on the perceived ambition of the former president to rule the country again. According to these analysts, Nigerian politicians cannot be relied upon when it comes to making statement, because they can still wake up tomorrow and change whatever they have said.
Consultations are currently ongoing to drag the former leader into the race but that Jonathan is still talking to allies across the country before he makes any decision on the matter, according to those close to him.
