Former President Goodluck Jonathan has responded to growing calls by some Nigerian youths urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying he has heard the appeals and would consult widely before deciding on his next political move.
Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday at his office in Abuja while addressing youth groups who visited him to press for his return to frontline politics ahead of the next general election.
The former president acknowledged the concerns and expectations expressed by the youths but stopped short of making any commitment to join the race.
“I’ve heard you loud and clear. I will consult widely before taking any decision,” Jonathan said.
The former Nigerian leader also used the occasion to urge young people to continue advocating for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections in the country.
Jonathan stressed that democracy can only thrive where citizens actively participate in the electoral process and where elections reflect the genuine will of the people.
Speaking on voter participation, the former president expressed concern over declining electoral turnout in Nigeria, describing voter apathy as one of the country’s biggest democratic challenges.
“Nigeria has one of the highest levels of voter apathy in all the elections I have observed globally,” he said.
Jonathan called on Nigerian youths to become more actively involved in civic engagement, political participation, and democratic processes rather than remaining passive observers.
The former president, who served from 2010 to 2015, remains one of the prominent political figures frequently mentioned in discussions surrounding possible alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election. – Arise TV.
