Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has responded to calls urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying he would undertake broad consultations before making any decision.
Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday while receiving youth groups at his Abuja office, where they appealed to him to enter the 2027 race.
“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.
The former president praised the visiting youths for demonstrating interest in national affairs, describing civic participation as vital to Nigeria’s development.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.
Jonathan also urged young Nigerians to advocate for peace and credible elections, warning that the absence of transparent electoral processes discourages capable 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,” he said.
The former president expressed concern over declining voter participation in Nigeria, noting that the country records one of the lowest voter turnouts compared to several African and Asian nations where he has monitored 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,” Jonathan stated.
He challenged the youths to become more active participants in the democratic process by registering to vote and obtaining permanent voter cards.
“If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50% 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.
Jonathan also lamented the treatment and perception of Nigerians abroad, linking the issue partly to governance failures over the years.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop. Even African countries that we have, African countries that even when we are students, as a result of our scholarship monies, we are contributing to solving problems in those countries,” he said.
Despite the growing calls for his return to active politics, Jonathan maintained that he had not reached a final decision on the matter.
“I will consult. 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. If there is a need to, I will wait,” he stated.
