…Ex-president says turnout worse than in 14 African, Asian nations
…Breaks Silence on 2027, Says ‘I’ll Consult Before Deciding’
Daud Olatunji
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised alarm over Nigeria’s persistently low voter turnout, warning that the country ranks among the worst globally in electoral participation based on his comparative observations across Africa and Asia.
Jonathan, who has participated in several international election observation missions under bodies including the African Union, COMESA, IGAD and the Commonwealth since leaving office in 2015, said Nigeria’s voter apathy is more severe than what he has witnessed in at least 14 African countries and several South East Asian democracies.
He spoke on Thursday in Abuja while receiving youth groups and political supporters who urged him to return to the 2027 presidential race.
The former president, however, used the occasion to address mounting political pressure over his alleged interest in the race, insisting that he would not rush into any decision.
“The presidential race is not a computer game. I have heard you, and I will consult widely,” he said.
Jonathan added that any decision on 2027 would follow broad consultations, stressing that leadership ambition must be approached with caution and responsibility.
“I cannot just wake up and declare for president. I will consult, and if there is a need, I will act accordingly,” he said.
Beyond the 2027 political conversation, the former president expressed deep concern over what he described as Nigeria’s alarming democratic disengagement, noting that voter turnout in the country remains consistently low despite its large electorate.
“I have observed elections in many African countries and even in Southeast Asia. Nigeria records very low turnout in every election cycle,” he said.
He warned that Nigeria’s level of voter apathy places it at a disadvantage in global democratic comparisons, urging urgent corrective action.
“We have the highest level of voter apathy. It seems people are not even interested in their elections. I have never been to a country with numbers as low as what we have here,” he added, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate and address the trend.
Jonathan stressed that weak electoral participation undermines democratic legitimacy and national development, warning that credible elections remain the foundation of political stability.
He also called on Nigerian youths to take greater responsibility in shaping the country’s future by actively participating in elections.
“If I ask how many of you have your voter cards, probably about half do not. Yet, you are asking me to contest. You must participate in the process,” he said.
Jonathan urged young Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and engage fully in the electoral process, adding that civic responsibility is critical to strengthening democracy.
He further warned that unless voter apathy is addressed through civic education, institutional trust-building, and youth mobilisation, Nigeria risks further democratic decline ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former president also expressed concern over Nigeria’s international image, linking it partly to governance and leadership challenges over the years, and reiterated the need for peaceful, credible elections to encourage broader citizen participation.
