According to a report by Arise News on Thursday, 7th May 2026, Former President Goodluck Jonathan has officially responded to mounting pressure from various political groups and civil society organizations urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
‎Addressing a delegation of supporters today being Thursday, the former leader signaled that while he is aware of the clamor for his return, he is not yet ready to make a definitive declaration.
‎I have heard you, Jonathan told the gathering. But the presidential race is not a computer game. I will consult widely.
‎ ‎In a speech that blended caution with a call for national unity, Jonathan emphasized that the rebuilding of Nigeria rests solely on the shoulders of patriotic citizens. He contrasted this with unpatriotic citizens who he claimed exploit the nation’s resources only to enjoy the proceeds abroad.
‎ ‎The former president, who became a global symbol of democratic transition in 2015 when he peacefully conceded power to Muhammadu Buhari, reiterated that peace remains Nigeria’s most vital commodity. He urged advocates to prioritize the stability of the nation over individual political ambitions.
‎One of the most striking points of Jonathan’s address was his critique of Nigeria’s declining civic engagement. He noted that Nigeria currently faces some of the highest rates of voter apathy globally a statement backed by recent data.
In the last general election, only 24.9 million out of 93.47 million registered voters cast their ballots, ‎this represented a turnout of just 26.72%, the lowest in Nigeria’s democratic history since the return to civilian rule in 1999. This was a significant drop from the 34.74% turnout recorded in 2019 and the 43.6% seen during Jonathan’s own re-election bid in 2015.
‎Jonathan warned that for the 2027 elections to be credible, the trend of citizens staying away from the polls must be reversed. “You must continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections,” he told his supporters.
‎‎While Jonathan’s wide consultation leaves the door open for a potential comeback, the 2027 landscape is already becoming crowded. Incumbent President Bola Tinubu has already been endorsed by the APC for a second term, while opposition figures, including former running mates and governors, are reportedly forming new alliances.
