Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to increasing calls for him to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying he would consult widely before making any final decision.
Jonathan made the statement on Thursday while receiving youth groups who visited him in Abuja to urge him to return to the presidential race.
Speaking during the meeting, the former president noted that running for Nigeria’s highest office is a serious responsibility that cannot be approached casually.
“You are asking me to come and contest the next election. Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you and I’ll consult widely,” Jonathan said.
He commended the youths for remaining passionate about Nigeria’s future, describing patriotism and civic participation as critical to nation-building.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.
Jonathan also called on young Nigerians to continue advocating for peaceful and credible elections, stressing that transparent electoral processes would encourage more competent citizens to participate in politics.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace. You continue to advocate for that. And you continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections in the country,” he stated.
According to him, flawed elections discourage many qualified Nigerians from seeking public office.
“Because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to bother to get involved in politics,” Jonathan said.
The former president further expressed concern over Nigeria’s low voter turnout during elections despite the country’s large population.
“I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries and even Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle,” he said.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to examine the reasons behind poor voter participation and find practical solutions.
“I think INEC needs to do something about it. They need to start to get consultants to look at it,” he added.
Jonathan also challenged Nigerian youths to participate more actively in the democratic process by obtaining voter cards and voting during elections.
“If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50 per cent of you don’t have your voter’s card. And you’re asking me to go and contest the election. So you must participate in the electoral process,” he said.
The former Nigerian leader also lamented the negative perception many Nigerian youths face abroad, linking the issue partly to years of poor leadership and governance challenges.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” Jonathan stated.
Despite growing pressure from supporters, Jonathan maintained that he would not rush into any political decision ahead of 2027.
“I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again. But I am telling you that I will consult,” he said.
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