Former President Goodluck Jonathan says contesting Nigeria’s presidency is “not a computer game” in reaction to calls by youth groups urging him to contest the 2027 election.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday when he received some youth groups who visited him at his office in Abuja to pressure him to return to the presidential race.
In his response to the appeal, the former president said he would consult widely before taking 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, 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 competent citizens from participating in politics.
He added, “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 lamented Nigeria’s low voter turnout, saying the country records one of the poorest participation rates during elections despite having a large voting population.
He further stated, “I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries and even Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle.
“I think INEC needs to do something about it. They need to start to get consultants to look at it. And what is the cause? As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process.”
Jonathan challenged the youths to participate actively in the electoral process by obtaining voter cards and voting during elections.
“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.
He also lamented the perception 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. Even African countries that we have, African countries that even when we are students, as of our scholarship monies, we are contributing to solve problems in those countries,” 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 2027.
“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. If there is a need to, I will wait,” he said.
