Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to growing calls for him to contest the 2027 presidential election, stating that running for Nigeria’s highest office is not something to be taken lightly.
Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday while receiving several youth groups who visited his office in Abuja to urge him to return to active presidential politics ahead of the next general election.
Responding to the appeal, the former Nigerian leader said the presidency is “not a computer game,” stressing that such a decision requires deep reflection and broad consultations before any final move can be made.
“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 during the meeting.
The former president commended the youths for showing concern about the future of Nigeria, noting that patriotism and active participation remain important in building a better country.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.
Jonathan also used the opportunity to call for peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria, warning that many capable Nigerians avoid politics because of flaws in the electoral system.
“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.
Speaking further, Jonathan expressed concern over Nigeria’s low voter turnout during elections, despite having one of the largest populations in Africa. According to him, the country records one of the poorest participation rates compared to other African nations where he has monitored 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.
The former president urged young Nigerians to become more involved in the democratic process by registering to vote and participating actively 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,” Jonathan added.
He also lamented the way many Nigerians are treated abroad, linking the situation partly to years of leadership failures and poor governance.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” he said, while calling for stronger leadership and national development.
Despite the growing pressure from supporters, Jonathan maintained that he has not taken any final decision regarding the 2027 presidency, insisting that consultations would continue before any announcement is made.
“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,” the former president stated.
