From Victor Osula, Abuja
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, told supporters urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election that the race for Nigeria’s highest office was “not a computer game”, adding that he would undertake wide consultations before taking any decision on a possible return to active presidential politics.
Jonathan made the remarks in Abuja while addressing a large crowd of supporters and youth groups, who marched to his office to appeal to him to join the 2027 presidential contest amid growing political discussions over the country’s future leadership.
The supporters, who described themselves as a nationwide movement cutting across ethnic, political and social divides, said they mobilised out of concern over Nigeria’s current situation and the need for experienced leadership.
Addressing the former president, the group said: “Because of our genuine fear of Nigeria’s possible collapse, we decided to march on your office today again, hoping that you will step out to receive us and make a statement that will gladden our hearts and the entire nation.”
They further urged Jonathan to formally declare his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
“We are asking you to hear our cries and contest the 2027 presidential election. The mammoth crowd that came with us here today is a fragment of our supporters nationwide”, the group stated.
They also claimed to command over 10 million supporters across the country and insisted that their movement reflected Nigeria’s diverse population.
“Your Excellency, we have over 10 million supporters nationwide. And then, we represent every tribe, every political party and tongue. Young, old, girls and boys, men and women are all here crying for your voice to say ‘Yes’ to our request”, they added.
The supporters further appealed to Jonathan to immediately obtain a presidential nomination form under any political platform of his choice ahead of the next general election.
“We’re asking you, sir, to kindly make a commitment for the 2027 presidential election. Secondly, we want you to immediately pick a presidential nomination form of any party of your choice to contest the election”, the group begged.
Responding, Jonathan stressed that patriotism, peace and credible elections remained critical to national development and democratic stability.
“It’s only patriotic citizens that build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation, take the money to anywhere to enjoy their life. So you must be patriotic. And things are very, very clear”, he said.
The former president noted that peaceful coexistence remained the most important requirement for Nigeria’s progress, particularly for younger generations who would inherit the country’s future.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace. So as young people, for most of you here, more than 80 percent of you are very young people. I don’t even know how old some of you were when I was a President. But the key thing is peace in this country, and you will continue to advocate for that”, Jonathan stated.
He also charged Nigerian youths to continue promoting peaceful and credible elections, warning that flawed electoral processes discourage competent and responsible citizens from participating in politics.
“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 get involved in politics. It’s very dear to us – peaceful election. And, indeed, you as young people must continue to be fully involved in the electoral processes, especially your right to vote”, he stressed.
Jonathan further highlighted his post-presidency involvement in election observation missions across Africa, saying his international engagements had exposed him to democratic experiences in several countries on the continent.
“I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries, some I have been there two times”, he said.
Speaking directly on the growing calls for his return to active politics, Jonathan reiterated that contesting for the presidency required serious consultations and national considerations.
“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I heard you. And I will consult widely”, he declared.
The former president also stressed the need for leaders and citizens to focus on building a future that would benefit younger Nigerians and generations yet unborn.
“But the most important thing is in Nigeria, the young people will have a Nigeria that will plan for our grandchildren.”
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 after succeeding late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua following his death in office. He later won the 2011 presidential election but lost his re-election bid in 2015 to former President Muhammadu Buhari in a historic poll that produced Nigeria’s first democratic transfer of power from an incumbent president to an opposition candidate.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has remained active in international diplomacy, peace-building and election observation missions across Africa, earning recognition for his democratic engagements and conflict-resolution efforts
