…Tells Protesting Youth: I’ll Consult Widely on 2027 Presidential Race
By Jeremy Fregene
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Thursday said he would consult widely before taking any decision on calls for him to contest the 2027 presidential election, stressing that seeking Nigeria’s highest office was “not a computer game.”
Jonathan spoke in Abuja while receiving a delegation of youths under the aegis of the Coalition for Jonathan 2027, led by its national president, Dr. Tom Ohikere, who appealed to him to join the presidential race.
Responding to the request, the former president said he had heard the appeals by the group but insisted that any decision on a presidential bid would require broad consultations and careful consideration.
“Presidential election is not a computer game. But I have heard you and I will consult widely,” Jonathan said.
He added: “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 a need to, fine.”
Jonathan, however, used the occasion to urge Nigerian youths to remain patriotic and actively participate in the country’s democratic process, particularly by obtaining voter cards and voting during elections.
According to him, patriotic citizens are critical to nation-building, while unpatriotic citizens only contribute to the destruction of their country.
“If you have no interest in our country, you will not bother to be here. So, I can say that you have shown signs that you are patriotic Nigerians and I encourage you to continue to be patriotic,” he said.
The former president stressed that peace and credible elections remained essential for Nigeria’s progress, warning that voter apathy continued to undermine the country’s democracy.
He lamented that Nigeria records one of the lowest voter turnouts among countries where he had observed elections.
“I have observed elections in about 14 or more African countries, some even twice, and even in South-East Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout of elections in every election cycle,” he stated.
“It shows that people are not even interested in their elections. If I ask you people how many of you have voter’s cards, probably 50 per cent of you don’t even have voter’s cards, and you are asking me to go and contest an election.”
Jonathan called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to study the causes of voter apathy and address the problem through deliberate reforms and public engagement.
The former president also spoke extensively about the need for long-term national planning and leadership capable of restoring hope to young Nigerians.
According to him, many developed countries attained their present status because successive leaders consistently built systems that benefited future generations.
“These countries people travel abroad to enjoy did not happen overnight. Leaders after leaders planned for their grandchildren and built their countries,” he said.
Jonathan lamented what he described as the growing “Japa syndrome” among Nigerian youths and the negative perception many Nigerians face abroad.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” he said, adding that Nigerian leaders must create opportunities that would encourage citizens to remain in the country.
He noted that the task of rebuilding Nigeria was not tied to one individual alone.
“These things could be done by any other person, not necessarily Jonathan,” he said.
The former president’s remarks came after members of the coalition argued that many young Nigerians who were still teenagers during his administration now look back nostalgically at a period when Nigeria emerged as Africa’s largest economy.
But Jonathan maintained that while he appreciated the calls, he would not rush into any decision regarding the 2027 presidential contest.