By Paul Joseph
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that he is still consulting widely over calls for him to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan made the statement on Thursday while receiving a group of supporters under the banner of the Coalition for Jonathan 2027 at his office in Abuja.
Addressing members of the coalition and supporters gathered at the venue, the former president stressed the need for patriotism, peace and greater youth participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He expressed concern over low voter turnout in the country despite Nigeria’s large population and urged young people to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections.
Responding to repeated calls for him to return to the presidential race, Jonathan stopped short of making an official declaration but indicated he was considering the appeals.
“You are asking me to contest the next election. Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you and I will consult widely,” he said.
Jonathan also emphasised the importance of peaceful and credible elections, warning that many capable Nigerians would continue to avoid politics if confidence in the electoral process remains weak.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace. If we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to get involved in politics,” he added.
Earlier, the Coalition for Jonathan 2027, led by Dr. Tom Ohikere, appealed to the former president to return and contest the 2027 election, arguing that Nigeria needed experienced leadership to address current national challenges.
The group recalled its earlier visit to Jonathan on April 8, 2026, noting that although they did not meet him personally at the time, their message urging him to run was widely circulated across the media.
Jonathan, however, maintained that any decision regarding the presidency would require careful consultations and reflection.
He also challenged Nigerian youths to actively participate in politics beyond online discussions by registering to vote and taking part in the electoral process.
“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 contest the election. So you must participate in the electoral process,” he said.
His comments have already sparked fresh political discussions about the possibility of another presidential bid as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum.
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