…Ex-president says consultations ongoing over presidential bid
…Decries poor voter turnout across the country
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has said he is still consulting widely following growing calls for him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan made the remark on Thursday while receiving a delegation of youths under the aegis of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Abuja, where they urged him to join the next presidential race.
Addressing the group, the former president thanked the youths for their interest in the affairs of the country, describing their visit as a sign of patriotism.
“My children, my brothers, and my sisters, first and foremost, let me welcome you to my office in Abuja here, and thank you for showing interest in your country,” Jonathan said.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here, so I can say that you are showing signs of being patriotic Nigerians, and I will encourage you to continue to be patriotic in the country.”
Responding to the calls for him to return to active politics, Jonathan noted that contesting for the presidency is a serious undertaking that requires extensive consultations.
“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections. The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” he stated.
The former Bayelsa governor also urged Nigerian youths to participate actively in the country’s democratic process by registering and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
According to him, many young Nigerians often demand political change without fully engaging in elections.
“As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he said. “If I ask how many of you have your voter cards now, probably 50 per cent of you don’t even have voter cards, and you’re asking me to go and contest the election.”
Jonathan further expressed concern over voter apathy in Nigeria, saying the country records one of the lowest voter turnout rates in Africa despite its large population.
“We have the highest voter apathy. I’ve had to study it, get consultants who look at it and what the cause is, and do something. As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he added.
Goodluck Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 after previously serving as vice president. Since leaving office, he has largely stayed away from partisan politics, focusing instead on election observation and peace-building missions across Africa.
However, calls for his return to the presidency have persisted, with supporters insisting he possesses the experience and leadership qualities needed to lead the country again.
