Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said he would consult widely before deciding whether to contest the 2027 presidential election, describing the race for Nigeria’s highest office as not “a computer game.”
Jonathan stated this while receiving youth groups who visited his office in Abuja to urge him to return to the presidential race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former president said leadership required deep reflection and broad consultations before any decision could be taken.
“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,” he said.
Jonathan commended the youths for showing concern about the country’s future, noting that patriotism remained vital to nation-building.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.
The ex-president also urged young Nigerians to promote peace and credible elections, warning that the absence of transparent electoral processes discourages competent citizens from participating in politics.
“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,” Jonathan said.
He lamented the low voter turnout usually recorded during elections in Nigeria despite the country’s large voting population.
According to him, Nigeria records one of the poorest voter participation rates compared to several African and Asian countries where he had observed 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.
“I think INEC needs to do something about it. They need to start to get consultants to look at it and what is the cause. As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he stated.
Jonathan challenged the youths to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and actively participate 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,” he said.
The former president also expressed concern over the treatment of Nigerians abroad, attributing it partly to leadership failures over the years.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” Jonathan added.
He, however, reiterated that he would continue consultations before making any political decision ahead of the 2027 election.
“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,” he stated.
