According to a report by The Sun on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has reflected on Nigeria’s political journey, arguing that many of those who harshly criticized former President Goodluck Jonathan are now occupying influential positions in government despite the country’s persistent challenges.
Speaking on issues relating to leadership and governance, Oritsejafor recalled the period of Jonathan’s administration, noting that the former president faced intense criticism from political opponents who questioned his competence and ability to lead the nation.
The cleric observed that although there have been changes in leadership since Jonathan left office, many of the problems that dominated national conversations during his tenure remain unresolved. According to him, some of these issues have become even more complicated over time, raising concerns about the effectiveness of successive administrations.
Oritsejafor also pointed to what he described as a contradiction in the political landscape, noting that several individuals who once condemned Jonathan’s leadership are now part of the country’s governing structure. He suggested that this development calls for a more balanced assessment of both past and present administrations.
Commenting on the state of the nation, the former CAN president said Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in areas such as governance, economic stability, and public welfare. He implied that the expectations created during various political transitions have not fully translated into the improvements many citizens anticipated.
While discussing the responsibilities of current leaders, Oritsejafor stopped short of calling for any resignation. Instead, he urged public office holders to be realistic about the nation’s challenges and honest about their capacity to address them.
He emphasized the importance of sincerity and accountability in leadership, arguing that leaders should acknowledge limitations rather than create unrealistic expectations.
“I would not sit here categorically and tell him resign. But I think what I would say to him is, look, don’t pretend to know what to do when you don’t know what to do. Don’t pretend that you can take Nigeria out of where it is now, when you know you can’t,” he stated.
