ABUJA — Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he will consult widely before deciding whether to join the 2027 presidential race, following mounting calls by a section of Nigerian youths urging him to return to office.
Jonathan made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja when thousands of youths, under the aegis of “The Coalition for Jonathan 2027,” gathered at his office to appeal to him to contest on the platform of any political party of his choice.
The former president, who was received with loud cheers by the protesters, stressed that seeking the nation’s highest office was a serious undertaking that required broad consultations with stakeholders.
“Contesting presidency is not a computer game.
“I’ve heard from the young people. I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again. But I’m telling you that I will consult. If there is need to, fine,” he said.
Jonathan commended the protesters for what he described as their patriotism, noting that their interest in the country’s leadership represented hope for Nigeria’s future.
He, however, urged them to move beyond advocacy to active participation in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participating in elections.
The former president expressed concern over low voter turnout in Nigeria, saying the country recorded one of the lowest voter participation rates among nations where he had served as an international election observer.
Jonathan noted that he had observed elections in more than 14 African countries and parts of South-East Asia, insisting that Nigeria’s voter turnout remained alarmingly low in percentage terms.
“I have never been to a country that has the low numbers we have, in terms of percentage of voter turnout.
“I think the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs to do something about it. Their consultants need to study the root causes of voter apathy and find lasting solutions to it.
“As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process.
“If I ask how many of you have your voter cards now, probably 50 per cent of you don’t even have your voter cards, and you’re asking me to go and contest the presidential election.
“So, you must participate in the electoral process,” he said.
Jonathan also urged youths to remain patriotic and committed to peace-building, saying patriotic citizens contributed to national development while unpatriotic citizens destroyed nations.
He pledged to continue advocating for peaceful and credible elections, describing them as essential for citizens’ participation in governance and politics.
“I will continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections in the country, because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, citizens will not want to bother or get involved in politics,” he said.
The former president also decried the growing “Japa” syndrome involving the migration of young Nigerians abroad in search of greener pastures, as well as the negative perception of Nigerians in some foreign countries.
According to him, the prosperity enjoyed by developed countries today was the product of deliberate and long-term planning by successive leaders.
“The Japa syndrome in Nigeria has to stop. The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop.
“Even African countries that we helped; African countries that even, when we were students, we were contributing part of our scholarship money to solve their problems.
“They now see Nigeria as if we are a bunch of idiots and criminals, because probably we leaders have not been able to build our country, give hope to our young people and even attract others to come here and work.
“This is the task that faces all Nigerian leaders. These things could be done by any other person, not necessarily Jonathan,” he said.
Jonathan, while acknowledging public nostalgia for what many described as the “glorious days” of his administration when Nigeria was regarded as Africa’s largest economy, maintained that nation-building could be achieved by any committed leader.
Earlier, National President of the coalition, Dr Tom Ohikere, said the group’s mission was to urge Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election on any political platform of his choice.
Ohikere recalled that members of the coalition had visited Jonathan’s office on April 8 to deliver the same message but were unable to meet him.
“We are asking you to hear our cries and contest the 2027 presidential elections, Sir.
“This mammoth crowd that came with us here today is a fragment of your supporters nationwide and represents every tribe and tongue, and every religious belief in this country.
“We, young and old, girls and boys, men and women, are all here crying for your voice to say ‘yes’ to our request,” he said.
He urged the former president to immediately pick a presidential nomination form from any party of his choice, pledging that the coalition would mobilise millions of supporters across the country to back him.
“Contest the 2027 presidential election and give us the opportunity to vote for you once again,” Ohikere said.
A member of the group, Chikodiri Adogu, speaking on behalf of the youths, said many young Nigerians believed Jonathan represented the hope they desired.
According to Adogu, youths yearned for stable electricity, improved roads, quality healthcare and a functional education system, which he said Nigerians experienced during Jonathan’s administration.
“Sir, we are a generation that does not want to inherit struggle and pass it on.
“We want to experience good governance for ourselves and have something better to give to the next generation.
“That is why we are here today. With humility and deep respect, I make this appeal: Your Excellency, we urge you to declare your interest in the 2027 presidential election,” he said.