Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to growing calls for him to contest the 2027 presidential election, declaring that seeking Nigeria’s highest office is “not a computer game.”
Jonathan made the remark on Thursday while receiving youth groups at his office in Abuja, where they urged him to return to the presidential race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Responding to the appeal, the former president said leadership decisions require deep reflection and broad consultations.
“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,” Jonathan said.
He commended the youths for demonstrating concern about the nation’s future, describing patriotism and civic participation as critical to national development.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.
Jonathan also charged young Nigerians to champion peaceful and credible elections, warning that flawed electoral processes discourage competent citizens from participating in politics.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace. 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 get involved in politics,” he stated.
The former president further expressed concern over Nigeria’s low voter turnout, describing it as one of the worst he has observed compared to other African and Southeast Asian countries where he had monitored elections.
“I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries and even Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle,” he said.
Jonathan urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to examine the causes of voter apathy and develop strategies to improve citizens’ participation in elections.
He also challenged the visiting youths to actively engage in the democratic process by obtaining their voter cards and participating during elections.
“If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50 per cent 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.
Speaking further, Jonathan lamented the negative perception faced by many Nigerians abroad, blaming years of poor leadership and governance failures.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” he noted.
Despite mounting pressure from supporters, the former president maintained that he had not taken any decision regarding the 2027 presidential election.
“I will consult. 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,” Jonathan stated.
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