By Nnaoke Ufere, PhD – A Response
My attention was recently drawn to a thought-provoking article titled *“2027 and Beyond: Why Northern Elites Must Rethink Their Strategy”* by Nnaoke Ufere, PhD.
First off, let me commend the writer—reading through that piece was a delight. It was rich in content and deeply insightful. I’ve now become a fan of Dr. Ufere’s work after this powerful read.
That said, while I agree with many of the points he raised, I felt compelled to respond to a specific section that touched on former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. As someone who was once one of Jonathan’s fiercest critics, my change of heart is not casual—it’s a realization born from reflection. There’s a saying that resonates deeply here: *“You don’t know the value of what you’ve got until it’s gone.”* This aptly describes Nigeria’s experience with President Jonathan.
Let’s set the record straight: If Dr. Jonathan decides to run for president again, he would be running as a Nigerian candidate—not as a candidate of the Northern elite, or of any ethnic group.
What Did We Take for Granted and lose?
Let me take you on a brief stroll down memory lane:
*Security Achievements and Counterinsurgency**
Under Jonathan, Nigeria made significant gains in the war against Boko Haram. By March 2015—just before the elections—the military had reclaimed 11 of the 14 territories previously held by insurgents. Coordinated efforts with neighboring countries like Chad, Niger, and Cameroon made these victories possible. Despite not being a soldier or general, Jonathan’s civilian leadership brought the insurgency close to collapse before he was voted out.
He did not let the insurgency spiral out of control. In fact, the 2015 elections were held peacefully across most of the country, a testament to the stability he helped secure.
*Economic Growth and Stability**
During Jonathan’s tenure, Nigeria’s economy was booming. With an average annual GDP growth of 6–8%, the country even earned the title of Africa’s largest economy in 2014 after a rebasing exercise. Employment was on the rise—469,000 new jobs in the first quarter of 2015 alone.
Contrast this with the post-2015 scenario: GDP growth slowed to 2.35% by Q2 2015 and Nigeria slid into recession by mid-2016. Under President Tinubu, Nigeria is grappling with its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, with inflation surging past 34% by mid-2024. Against this backdrop, Jonathan’s era looks like a golden age.
*Infrastructure Development (Especially in the North)**
Jonathan’s administration invested heavily in infrastructure, including projects aimed specifically at northern Nigeria. Over 700 MW hydropower projects were launched in Niger and Taraba. Gas pipelines stretched over 450 km to power these initiatives.
Power generation rose from around 2,800 MW in 2011 to over 4,500 MW by 2014. Programs like “Operation Light Up Rural Nigeria” brought electricity to over 4,000 communities. Former Governor Fashola once stated that Jonathan built more roads than any president in Nigerian history.
*Education and Social Development**
Jonathan invested heavily in human capital. He built 125 Almajiri schools in 13 northern states, focusing on integrating out-of-school children. He also established 14 new federal universities—nine of them in the North (One in my dear Kogi State).
Federal education funding more than doubled, rising from ₦224 billion in 2007 to ₦634 billion by 2013. These efforts significantly reduced illiteracy and educational inequality across the nation.
*Diplomacy and Governance Style**
Jonathan brought dignity to Nigeria’s international image. He hosted the World Economic Forum in Abuja in 2014, championed climate change efforts, and led Africa’s Ebola response.
At home, his inclusive and conciliatory leadership style stood out. His concession in 2015 was a landmark moment for democracy. During the 2012 fuel subsidy protests, rather than use force, he engaged protesters in dialogue. Critics called him weak, but many now see that as strength.
*Accountability and Anti-Corruption**
Was corruption a problem under Jonathan? Yes—but he didn’t turn a blind eye. His administration implemented the Electronic Wallet system for fertilizer subsidies, saving \$192 million in 2012. The IPPIS payroll system eliminated 50,000 ghost workers, saving ₦15 billion monthly.
High-profile officials were suspended or prosecuted under his watch—facts often omitted in inaccurate narratives that paint him as “clueless.”
*Comparing with Successors**
Under Jonathan, the dollar stood at ₦200. Today, it hovers around ₦1,600. Fuel, which he kept at ₦97 per liter (even after partially removing the subsidy), now sells at over ₦900 per liter despite the launch of Dangote’s refinery and several government promises.
Jonathan didn’t divide Nigeria along ethno-religious lines, and he didn’t undermine trust in institutions. His successors? Not so much.
Final Thoughts
To suggest that Jonathan was ill-equipped to handle a national crisis is not only inaccurate—it’s unfair. He remains one of the most experienced and prepared Nigerian leaders today.
As a friend recently quipped: “We don’t need development, infrastructure, or more promises. Just bring back Jonathan to take us back to 2015.
I say that partly in jest, but entirely in truth.
Peace!
