Jonathan Says He Will Consult Widely on 2027 Presidential Race After Pressure From Support Group
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said he would consult widely before deciding whether to join the 2027 presidential race, following an appeal by a pro-Jonathan group that visited him at his office in Maitama, Abuja.
Responding to calls for him to contest the presidency, Jonathan cautioned that seeking the nation’s highest office was a serious undertaking that required careful reflection and consultation.
“Contesting for the Nigerian presidency is not like a computer game,” the former president told the delegation. “I have heard you, and I will consult and probably give you feedback.”
Jonathan, however, expressed concern over what he described as the growing level of voter apathy in Nigeria, noting that many members of the delegation urging him to contest did not possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“Young people must actively participate in the democratic process,” he said. “It is disappointing that many of those asking me to run do not even have their PVCs. How then are you going to vote?”
The former president stressed that the demand for good governance should not be tied to one individual alone, adding that younger Nigerians also have the capacity to provide effective leadership if given adequate support and encouragement.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic participation remains weak compared to global standards, despite the country’s large population and youthful demographic.
“I have observed over 14 elections across the world, including in Asia, and I can tell you that our voter turnout does not reflect our population,” Jonathan stated. “Nigeria has one of the lowest levels of voter participation, and this should concern the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
Speaking further on governance and national development, Jonathan lamented the continued migration of young Nigerians abroad, popularly referred to as the “Japa syndrome,” attributing the trend largely to leadership failures and economic hardship.
“Nigeria has the capacity to become a better country,” he said. “What we need is committed leadership at all levels. Unfortunately, many of our best brains are leaving the country because they no longer have confidence in the system.”
Jonathan also urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and committed to peaceful democratic participation, emphasizing that national progress could only be achieved through credible elections and collective responsibility.
“Only patriotic citizens build their country,” he added. “Unpatriotic citizens destroy the nation and move resources elsewhere for personal comfort. What Nigeria needs today is peace, credible elections, and citizens who are willing to participate actively in governance.”
The visit by the pro-Jonathan group is seen by political observers as another indication of increasing dissatisfaction among sections of Nigerians over the country’s current economic and political challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speculations surrounding the 2027 presidential contest have continued to intensify, with several opposition figures reportedly positioning themselves ahead of party primaries. Among those frequently mentioned are Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the NDC, Rotimi Amaechi, Emeka Nwajiuba, and Atiku Abubakar, of the ADC as major opposition parties continue consultations aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election cycle.
