By Erewunmi Peace

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to exercise caution over calls for him to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Bishop Kukah praised Jonathan’s historic concession of defeat in 2015, describing it as an enduring legacy of peace and patriotism. However, he warned that political ambition can be clouded by manipulation, stressing that “the voice of the devil is not far from the voice of God.”

Kukah reminded Jonathan that his decision in 2015 earned him global respect and positioned him as a statesman whose legacy transcends politics. He urged the former president to carefully weigh the implications of returning to active political contest.

“History will continue to celebrate you for that singular act of conceding defeat. But you must be careful not to allow ambition or persuasion to diminish that legacy. The voice of the devil is not so far from the voice of God,” Bishop Kukah reportedly said.

Jonathan, who has remained active in regional and continental peace-building roles since leaving office, has not publicly declared any intention to run in 2027. However, speculations about his possible return continue to generate debate within political circles.

Bishop Kukah’s remarks add to the growing conversations about Nigeria’s leadership future, with the next general election just over two years away.