…as Youths Urge Him to Join 2027 Contest
A group of youths under the banner of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday staged a solidarity rally at the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, calling on him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The demonstrators converged on Taraba Close in Maitama, chanting songs and slogans while waving placards bearing inscriptions such as “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!”, “GEJ, Nigerian youths break the medicine wey dem do you”, and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench”.
The rally caused significant disruption in the highbrow district, as the crowd spilled into adjoining streets, dancing to music and obstructing vehicular movement.
The group described the former president as a unifying leader capable of addressing Nigeria’s current challenges and restoring national cohesion.
Addressing the gathering, Jonathan acknowledged their calls and said he would consult widely before deciding on whether to join the race.
“I’ve heard you loud and clear. I will consult widely before taking any decision,” he said.
Welcoming the youths earlier, the former president commended their patriotism and interest in national affairs.
“My children, my brothers, and my sisters, first and foremost, let me welcome you to my office in Abuja here, and thank you for showing interest in your country,” Jonathan said.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here, so I can say that you are showing signs of being patriotic Nigerians, and I will encourage you to continue to be patriotic in the country.”
He, however, cautioned that contesting for the presidency requires careful consideration.
“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,” he added.
Jonathan also urged young Nigerians to play a more active role in the democratic process, particularly by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that voter apathy remains a major concern.
“As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he said. “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. So you must be patriotic, you must participate in the electoral process.”
The former president, who noted that he had observed elections in more than 14 African countries, expressed concern over Nigeria’s low voter turnout.
“We have the highest voter apathy. I think I need to do something next. I’ve had to study it, hire consultants to review it, determine the cause, and do something. As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he said.
He stressed that nation-building depends on citizens’ patriotism, warning against attitudes that undermine national development.
“It’s only patriotic citizens who build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation, take the money anywhere to enjoy their life, so you must be patriotic,” Jonathan stated.
The former president also emphasized the importance of peace in ensuring credible elections and encouraging participation in governance.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to bother to get involved in politics; and as youth, you continue to advocate for that. It’s very dear to us, peaceful elections,” he said.
Jonathan further raised concerns over the growing trend of emigration among Nigerian youths, popularly known as “japa,” warning of its implications for the country’s future.
“The Japa syndrome in Nigeria has to stop. The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” he said.
He also linked negative perceptions of Nigerians abroad to governance challenges at home.
“These things could be done by any other person, may not necessarily be Jonathan. But I’ve heard you, I will consult and, of course, the race is getting close,” he added.
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, losing his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
