With just months remaining in António Guterres’ tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations, a growing coalition of Nigerian diplomats, foreign policy experts and public affairs analysts is urging President Bola Tinubu to back former President Goodluck Jonathan for the organisation’s highest office.
This diplomatic momentum builds as informal consultations gain traction among member states. The formal selection process is expected to culminate before January 1, 2027, when the successor assumes office. Supporters argue that Nigeria holds some of the continent’s strongest diplomatic credentials and should seize this opportunity to project global leadership.
Experience and international goodwill
Aliyu Idi Hong, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, believes Jonathan’s extensive mediation background within the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the United Nations makes him exceptionally well-prepared.
Hong noted that President Tinubu should immediately direct Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery toward securing endorsements from the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Public affairs analyst Katchy Ononuju echoed these sentiments, pointing out that Jonathan’s continued involvement in democratic governance across Africa has significantly strengthened his international standing. Related News Man United open talks for Leicester teenager Louis Page FG cracks down on unapproved textbooks, adopts merit-based instructional materials Messi bids emotional farewell to father Jorge Messi in private Rosario funeral
