Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s former president and the only incumbent that lost a general election, is yet to cast his hat into the ring regarding the country’s forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Jonathan, who on Thursday addressed a coalition of youths under the banner of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, is solidly weighing his options, opting for the peaceable medium of wide consultation before deciding to appear on the ballot next year. He made these intentions known to the youths who staged a solidarity walk at his Abuja residence.
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Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before losing his re-election bid to former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He acknowledged their appeals, saying he would consult widely before taking any decision regarding the 2027 presidential race.
“I have heard you loud and clear. I will consult widely before taking any decision,” he said.
The former president also urged young Nigerians to participate more actively in the democratic process, stressing the need for peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
Jonathan expressed concern over the growing rate of voter apathy in the country, describing it as one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy.
“Nigeria has one of the highest levels of voter apathy in all the elections I have observed globally,” he said.
He encouraged youths to move beyond passive observation and become more involved in civic and political activities.
Jonathan has slowly become a fan favourite for the presidency after his peaceful approach, relinquishing power to the APC in 2015, and ending the PDP’s 16-year rule, which many still reminisce about as some of Nigeria’s most favourable times- economically and socially.
The demonstrators gathered around Taraba Close in Maitama, chanting slogans and displaying placards calling on Jonathan to return to active politics.
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The rally caused heavy traffic congestion in parts of the highbrow district as supporters sang, danced and waved banners with messages such as, “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!” and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench.”
The group described the former president as a unifying leader capable of addressing Nigeria’s current political and socio-economic challenges.
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