The Goodluckans 2027 Diaspora Leadership Council has faulted recent comments made against former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most respected democratic leaders.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the group expressed disappointment over remarks allegedly made by social media personality VeryDarkMan against the former president.
The statement, signed by the coordinator of the group, Eliana Melekwe, said members of the movement across the diaspora remained committed to peace, democracy and national unity.
According to the group, the Goodluckans in Diaspora movement consists of Nigerians from different professional backgrounds, including healthcare workers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders, who are passionate about Nigeria’s progress.
The council said the movement was not motivated by social media influence or financial interests, but by patriotism and concern for the country’s future.
The statement read in part, “Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan remains one of the most respected democratic leaders Nigeria has produced.
“President Jonathan happened to be, if not one of the poorest former presidents Nigeria has ever had after leaving office — not because he lacked access to wealth, but because he chose integrity, peace, service and national unity over personal enrichment.”
The group further praised Jonathan’s leadership style, describing it as one characterised by humility, tolerance and commitment to democratic principles.
It also recalled Jonathan’s famous statement during the 2015 general election that, “My political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” noting that his decision to concede defeat helped preserve Nigeria’s democracy and strengthened the country’s image internationally.
According to the council, Jonathan’s conduct after leaving office has continued to earn him admiration from Nigerians both at home and abroad.
The group claimed that growing calls for Jonathan’s return to national leadership were driven by Nigerians who remembered his administration for “greater democratic freedom, relative economic stability, national unity and international respect.”
The council, however, urged VeryDarkMan to withdraw the alleged comments made against the former president, stressing that public influence should be exercised responsibly.
“We remain committed to promoting truth, democracy, peace, accountability and national unity as Nigeria continues its journey towards a better future,” the statement added.
