Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, may join the 2027 presidential race on Friday, sources have said.
A source privy to the development told SaharaReporters that Jonathan had already hinted at joining the race and could make his decision known soon.
The source said, “Former President Jonathan is likely to join the presidential race tomorrow, Friday. He has already hinted at joining the race, and it may happen as early as tomorrow.”
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that Jonathan had earlier hinted at the possibility of returning to the presidential race after a group of youths urged him to contest in 2027.
There are speculations that the former president may join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), although this could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The speculation comes after former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress.
Addressing young Nigerians who appealed to him to contest, Jonathan said the presidency was a serious responsibility.
He said, “The presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. But the most important thing is that in Nigeria, the young people will have hope.”
The former president urged Nigerian youths to remain patriotic and committed to the unity and progress of the country.
He said only patriotic citizens could build a nation, while unpatriotic citizens could destroy it.
Jonathan said, “I urge you to continue to be patriotic to the country. It’s only patriotic citizens that build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation, take the money to anywhere to enjoy their life.
“So you must be patriotic. And things are very, very clear. The key thing we need in this country is peace.”
Jonathan Seeks Credible Elections
Jonathan also stressed the need for peaceful and credible elections, saying competent citizens would avoid politics if the electoral process was not transparent.
He said, “So as young people, because most of you here, more than 80% of you are very young people. I don’t even know how old some of you were when I was the president. But the key thing is peace in this country, and 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.”
The former president urged youths to participate actively in elections and obtain their voter cards.
He lamented what he described as Nigeria’s low voter turnout compared to other countries where he had observed elections.
Jonathan said, “And as youths, we will continue to advocate for that. It’s very dear to us, peaceful elections. And indeed you, as young people, must continue to be fully involved in the electoral processes, especially your right to vote.
“I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries. Some have been there two times. And even in Southeast Asia, Nigeria has the lowest turnout of elections in every election cycle. We have the highest voter apathy.
“And it shows us that people are not even interested in the elections. We have the worst, the least. I’ve never been to a country that has the low numbers we have, in terms of percentage of voters.”
Jonathan Tasks INEC
Jonathan called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the causes of voter apathy and take steps to address the problem.
He said, “I think INEC needs to do something about it, need to study it, get consultants who look at it, and what is the cause, and do something.”
The former president also challenged the youths, urging them to first take part in the democratic process.
He said, “As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process. If I ask how many of you have your voter cards now, probably 50% of you don’t even have a voter’s card.
“And you’re asking me to go and contest elections. So you must participate in the electoral process. Yes, you’re asking me to come and contest the next elections.”
Jonathan also lamented the growing “Japa” syndrome among Nigerian youths and the treatment many Nigerians face abroad, saying leaders must build a country that future generations would be proud of.
