Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said contesting Nigeria’s presidency is “not a computer game” as he responded to calls by youth groups urging him to run in the 2027 election.
Jonathan spoke while receiving members of youth groups at his office in Abuja who appealed to him to return to the presidential race.
Responding to the request, the former president said he would consult widely before making any decision, stressing that leadership required careful consideration.
“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,” he said.
Jonathan commended the youths for showing interest in the country’s future, describing patriotism as essential to nation-building.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.
The former president also urged young Nigerians to promote peace and credible elections, warning that the absence of transparent electoral processes discourages capable citizens from participating in politics.
“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,” Jonathan said.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s low voter turnout, saying the country records one of the poorest participation rates during elections despite its large voting population.
“I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries and even Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle,” he said.
Jonathan urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to examine the causes of low voter participation and encouraged youths to become actively involved in the electoral process.
“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,” he said.
Jonathan also lamented the treatment of Nigerians abroad, attributing it partly to leadership failures over the years.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” he said.
The former president, however, reiterated that he had only listened to the appeal and would continue consultations before making any political decision ahead of the 2027 election.
“I will consult. 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,” Jonathan said.
