Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that competing for Nigeria’s presidency is “not a computer game” in response to appeals from youth groups to run in the 2027 election.
Jonathan said on Thursday during a visit to his office in Abuja by some young groups urging him to run for president again.
In response to the appeal, the former president stated that he would seek widespread consultation before making any decisions, emphasizing the importance of thorough thinking in leadership.
“You are asking me to come and contest the next election. The presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” he said.
The former president praised the youths for their enthusiasm in the country, calling patriotism critical to national development.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” he added.
Jonathan also urged young Nigerians to promote peace and legitimate elections, stressing that the lack of transparent electoral processes discourages capable persons from taking part 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,” he said.
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He lamented Nigeria’s low voter turnout, saying the country records one of the poorest participation rates during elections despite having a 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.
“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,” he stated.
Jonathan pushed the youths to fully participate in the electoral process by collecting voter registration 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 bemoaned Nigerians’ perceptions abroad, attributing it in part to past leadership mistakes.
“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 solving problems in those countries,” he said.
Jonathan, on the other hand, stressed that he had only heard the appeal and would confer more before making any political decisions until 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,” Jonathan stated.
