Jonathan hints at 2027 presidential bid, says ‘I’ll consult widely’

Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria, on Thursday signalled a possible return to presidential politics, saying he would “consult widely” following calls by supporters urging him to contest the 2027 election.

Jonathan spoke at his Abuja office when a group of supporters and youth advocates visited him to press for his return to office amid growing political realignments ahead of the next general election.

While stopping short of declaring his ambition, the former president acknowledged the appeals and said any decision would be taken after extensive consultations.

“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections. The presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” Jonathan said.

The former president emphasised the need for peace, credible elections and greater youth participation in the democratic process, warning that low voter turnout remains a major challenge for Nigeria.

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“The key thing we need in this country is peace… 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 expressed concern over declining public engagement in elections, describing Nigeria as one of the countries with the lowest voter turnout among democracies he has observed.

“Nigeria has the lowest turnout of elections in every election cycle… I’ve never been to a country that has the low numbers we have.”

He urged young Nigerians to become more actively involved in politics and electoral participation, including obtaining voter cards.

“As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process. If I ask how many of you have your voter’s cards now, probably 50 percent of you don’t even have voter’s cards, and you’re asking me to go and contest the election.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s economic and social conditions, Jonathan lamented the country’s declining global image and the hardships faced by young Nigerians abroad.

“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop… because probably we leaders have not been able to build our country, give hope to our young people.”

The former president, under whose administration Nigeria briefly became Africa’s largest economy after GDP rebasing in 2014, said leadership should focus on long-term national development rather than short-term political gains.

Although he repeatedly stated that “presidential race is not a computer game,” Jonathan left open the possibility of contesting 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. If there’s need to, fine.”

Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 and has remained a prominent figure in African diplomacy and election observation missions since leaving office.