Former President Jonathan has reacted to calls to contest 2027 presidency.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the race for Nigeria’s presidency as “not a computer game” while reacting to calls by youth groups urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan made the remark on Thursday when he received members of several youth groups who visited his office in Abuja to appeal to him to return to the presidential race ahead of 2027.
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Responding to the appeal, the former president said leadership decisions require careful thought and broad consultations, stressing that he would not rush into making any declaration.
“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,” he said.
Jonathan commended the youths for demonstrating interest in Nigeria’s future, noting that patriotism and civic engagement remain vital to nation-building.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.
The former president also urged Nigerian youths to continue advocating for peace and credible elections, warning that the absence of transparent electoral processes discourages competent citizens from participating 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. Because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to bother to get involved in politics,” he stated.
Jonathan further expressed concern over low voter turnout in Nigeria, describing it as one of the poorest across countries where he had observed elections.
“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.
According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, needs to study the reasons behind voter apathy and develop solutions to improve participation.
He also challenged young Nigerians to become more actively involved in the democratic process by obtaining voter cards and participating during elections.
“If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50% 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 added.
Jonathan also lamented the treatment and perception of Nigerians abroad, attributing part of the challenge to leadership failures over the years.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” he said.
The former president, however, reiterated that he had only listened to the appeal and would continue consultations before taking any decision regarding the 2027 presidential election.
“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. If there is a need to, I will wait,” Jonathan stated.
