- Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has not ruled out contesting in the 2027 presidential election
- The ex-Nigerian leader emphasised the need for peaceful and credible elections in Africa’s largest democracy
- Though he is currently facing significant pressure to return to partisan politics for the 2027 presidential election, Jonathan is widely regarded in Nigeria as a respected elder statesman
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja – Former President Goodluck Jonathan has responded to growing calls by some political stakeholders urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying he has heard the appeals and would consult widely before deciding on his next political move.
As reported by Arise News, Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday, May 7, at his office in Abuja while addressing the individuals who visited him to press for his return to frontline politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Source: Getty Images
Jonathan responds to 2027 election calls
Jonathan served as the president of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He lost the 2015 presidential election to the late President Muhammadu Buhari and was the first incumbent president in Nigerian history to lose re-election.
A group had urged “GEJ,” as Jonathan is fondly called, to contest the presidency in the 2027 election.
Responding, the ex-Nigerian leader said:
“I thank you for showing interest in Nigeria. If you had no interest in Nigeria, you would not be here. Only patriotic citizens build their country; unpatriotic citizens destroy the nation and take the money elsewhere to enjoy their lives.
“The key thing we need in Nigeria is peace, and you must continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections.”
Jonathan added:
“Nigeria has one of the highest rates of voter apathy I have seen globally. You have come today to ask me to run. I have heard you. The presidential race is not a computer game. I will consult widely.”
A video of Jonathan’s response can be viewed below via X:
Source: Original
Legit.ng reports that similar calls also emerged in the build-up to the 2023 elections, when the Bayelsa-born statesman was encouraged to enter the presidential race.
In May 2022, a coalition of Northern groups purchased the N100 million presidential expression of interest and nomination forms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for Jonathan, days after some groups protested at the former president’s office in Abuja, asking him to join the contest. But Jonathan rejected the nomination forms, saying they were bought without his consent.
Jonathan’s last known political party is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has been embroiled in a crisis since 2022.
Source: Twitter
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Kenneth Okonkwo warns Jonathan
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Kenneth Okonkwo, a former chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), advised the PDP to allow Jonathan to enjoy his retirement from public office in peace, rather than luring him into the 2027 race.
Okonkwo explained that rather than luring Jonathan into the 2027 election race, the cheerleaders should allow the former Nigerian leader to enjoy his credibility.
The former LP chieftain asked Jonathan to maintain his status as an “international statesman.”
Source: Legit.ng