2027: President Goodluck Jonathan Stirs Speculation, Says ‘l Will Consult Widely’ First
Former Nigerian leader, President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he would consult “widely” to determine if he would contest the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan spoke in Abuja on Thursday when some Nigerian youth groups visited him in his office to implore him to contest the forthcoming election.
Speaking to the youth and jounalists, the former president admitted that contesting a presidential election was not a “computer game”but serious engagement that requires wide consultaions and planning.
In his words, “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.”
Commending the youth groups for their patriotism, Jonathan noted that “If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here.”
He insisted that peace must be achieved success and development in the country.
He reiterated that,“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.”
Decrying election apatthy in Nigeria, President Jonathan stated that Nigeria records the lowest voter-turnout in Africa and Asia.
Citing his experience as an election observer across Africa and parts of Asia, the former president stated that, “I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries and even Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle.
“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, therefore challenged Nigerian youths to participate actively in the electoral process by obtaining voter cards and voting during elections.
He said, “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.”
There have been loud calls, especially from Northern Nigeria urging the former President contest the 2027 presidential election. The calls, according to political pundits in mainly based on the fact that President Jonathan is constitutionally restricted to doing one term, haven earlier served a full term.
Despite the calls, President Jonathan has not resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), just as he has not disclosed his membership of any other political party.