Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday noted that he had heard the appeals by a group of youths who visited his Abuja office to urge
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday noted that he had heard the appeals by a group of youths who visited his Abuja office to urge him to join the 2027 race, but reminded them that presidential elections required deep commitment and careful consideration.
“Presidential election is not a computer game. But I have heard you and I will consult widely,” he said.
Speaking during the meeting with the group known as Coalition for Jonathan 2027 and led by National president Dr. Tom Ohikere, Jonathan thanked the delegation for what he described as their patriotism and concern for the country’s future, while emphasizing the need for peace, credible elections and active youth participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Nigerians, my brothers and my sisters, first and foremost let me welcome you to my office in Abuja and thank you for showing interest in your country,” Jonathan said.
“If you have no interest in our country you will not bother to be here. So, I can say that you have shown signs that you are patriotic Nigerians and I encourage you to continue to be patriotic. It is only patriotic citizens that build their nations.”
The former president urged Nigerian youths to champion peaceful and credible elections, warning that voter apathy remained one of the biggest challenges confronting the country’s democracy.
According to him, Nigeria records one of the lowest voter turnouts compared to other countries where he has observed elections.
“I have observed elections in about 14 or more African countries and even in South East Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout of elections in every election cycle,” he said.
“It shows that people are not even interested in their elections. As young people, you must be involved in elections. If I ask you people how many of you have voter’s cards, probably 50 per cent of you don’t even have voter’s cards, and you are asking me to go and contest election.”
Jonathan also stressed that the country’s future depends on leaders building long-term systems that would benefit future generations.
“These countries people travel abroad to enjoy did not happen overnight. Leaders after leaders planned for their grandchildren and built their countries,” he stated.
He lamented the level of hardship and negative perception faced by many Nigerian youths abroad, saying leaders must work towards restoring hope and opportunities within the country.
“The task before Nigerian leaders is to build a country that gives hope to young people and attracts others to come and work here,” he added.
Asked further whether he felt compelled to heed the calls from young Nigerians who recalled that Nigeria became Africa’s largest economy during his administration, Jonathan reiterated that he would not make a hasty decision.
“I’ve heard them. Contesting presidency is not a computer game. I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again. But I’m telling you that I will consult. If there is need to, fine,” he said.
Ikechukwu Eze
S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan