Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has indicated a possible return to presidential politics ahead of the 2027 general election, saying he would “consult widely”
Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday while receiving a delegation of supporters and youth advocates at his office in Abuja, amid growing political alignments ahead of the next election cycle.
Although he did not formally declare his intention to run, the former president acknowledged the calls and stressed that any decision would come after broad consultations.
“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,” Jonathan said.
He also stressed the importance of peaceful and credible elections, warning that public distrust in the electoral process discourages capable citizens from participating in politics.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace… 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.”
Jonathan expressed concern over Nigeria’s consistently low voter turnout, describing it as one of the poorest among democratic nations he has observed.
“Nigeria has the lowest turnout of elections in every election cycle… I’ve never been to a country that has the low numbers we have.”
He urged Nigerian youths to become more active in politics and the electoral process, including obtaining voter cards.
“As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process. 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.”
The former president also reflected on the country’s economic challenges and the treatment of Nigerian youths abroad, blaming poor leadership for the situation.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop… because probably we leaders have not been able to build our country, give hope to our young people.”
Jonathan, under whose administration Nigeria briefly emerged as Africa’s largest economy following the 2014 GDP rebasing exercise, said leadership should prioritise sustainable national development over short-term political interests.
While repeatedly cautioning that “presidential race is not a computer game,” he nevertheless left open the possibility of seeking office again in 2027.
“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. If there’s need to, fine.”
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 and has since remained active in African diplomacy and international election observation missions.
