- Jonathan also used the opportunity to urge young Nigerians to actively support peaceful and credible elections
- Jonathan further urged young people to take responsibility by obtaining their voter cards and participating actively in elections
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that deciding whether to run for Nigeria’s presidency is a serious matter, stressing that it “is not a computer game,” as he responded to renewed calls for him to contest the 2027 general election.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja when he received youth groups who visited his office to urge him to re-enter the presidential race.
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He explained that while he appreciated their appeal, any decision on his political future would only come after broad consultations with relevant stakeholders.
“You are asking me to come and contest the next election. Presidential race is not a computer game. I’ve heard you, and I will consult widely,” he said.
The former president commended the youths for their interest in national affairs, describing patriotism as a key ingredient for building a strong country. He noted that citizens who are not concerned about their nation’s progress would not engage in civic discussions.
Jonathan also used the opportunity to urge young Nigerians to actively support peaceful and credible elections, warning that violence and electoral malpractice discourage responsible citizens from participating in politics.
According to him, “The key thing we need in this country is peace. You must continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections. Without that, good citizens will not want to get involved in politics.”
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s consistently low voter turnout, saying the country performs poorly compared to other African and Asian nations despite its large population.
“I have observed elections in more than 14 African countries and even in Southeast Asia. Nigeria still records one of the lowest voter turnouts,” he said, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may need to investigate the causes.
Jonathan further urged young people to take responsibility by obtaining their voter cards and participating actively in elections, noting that political participation goes beyond making demands on leaders.
“If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card, maybe half do not. Yet you are asking me to contest. You must be part of the electoral process,” he added.
He also lamented negative perceptions of Nigerians abroad, linking it to long-standing governance challenges and the need for improved leadership at home.
Jonathan, however, maintained that he has not made any political commitment, insisting that consultations will continue before any final decision is taken regarding 2027.
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