Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will consult widely before deciding whether to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan spoke on Thursday in Abuja when some youth groups visited his office to urge him to return to the presidential race.
Responding to their appeal, the former president said running for president was a serious decision that could not be taken lightly.
“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 praised the youths for showing concern about the future of the country, saying patriotism was important for nation-building.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.
The former president also urged young Nigerians to support peace and credible elections, warning that the absence of free and fair polls discourages capable people from joining 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 expressed concern over low voter turnout in Nigeria, describing the number of voters in the country’s elections as one of the poorest in Africa despite the country’s large population.
Jonathan said he had observed elections in more than 14 African countries and parts of Southeast Asia, noting that Nigeria records very low participation during elections.
“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.
He also challenged youths to register for voter cards and take part in elections.
“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 further spoke about the way Nigerians are treated abroad, saying the situation must improve.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” he said.
The former president, however, repeated that he had not made any decision about the 2027 election and would continue consultations before taking a stand.
