Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he will “consult widely” following calls by a group of supporters urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan made the remarks while addressing the delegation at his office in Abuja, where he also stressed the need for peace, credible elections and greater youth participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“You ask me to come and contest the next election. Presidential race is not a computer game, but I have heard you, and I will consult widely,” Jonathan said.
The former president, however, did not formally declare interest in the race.
He commended the group for what he described as patriotism and urged young Nigerians to become more involved in politics and elections.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here. It’s only patriotic citizens that build their nations,” he said.
Jonathan expressed concern over low voter turnout in Nigeria, describing the country as having one of the poorest levels of electoral participation among nations where he had observed elections.
“I’ve observed elections in about 14 African countries and even in Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle,” he said.
“We have the highest voter apathy. People are not even interested in elections.”
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate the causes of voter apathy and develop strategies to improve participation.
The former president also challenged young Nigerians to obtain their voter cards and actively engage in the electoral process.
“If I ask how many of you have your voter cards now, probably 50 percent of you don’t even have one, and you are asking me to contest the election,” he said.
Jonathan further called for peaceful and credible elections, warning that many competent Nigerians avoid politics because of concerns about the electoral process.
He added that Nigeria’s leaders must focus on long-term national development and create hope for younger generations.
“The most important thing is that young people will have hope and that we plan for our grandchildren,” he said.
