By Jane Okafor, Abuja
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said contesting for Nigeria’s presidency is “not a computer game,” as he responded to mounting calls from youth groups urging him to join the 2027 presidential race.
Jonathan spoke on Thursday while receiving delegations of youth groups at his office in Abuja, where they appealed to him to return to active presidential politics ahead of the next general election.
Responding to the request, the former president said any decision on a possible comeback would require broad consultations and deep reflection, stressing that leadership must not be approached lightly.
“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 praised the youths for demonstrating concern about the country’s future, describing patriotism and civic engagement as vital ingredients for national development.
“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 champion peace and credible elections, warning that flawed electoral processes discourage capable and patriotic citizens from participating 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.
Jonathan further expressed concern over Nigeria’s consistently low voter turnout, despite the country’s large voting population, describing it as one of the poorest participation records globally.
“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.
He challenged the visiting youths to move beyond political advocacy and participate directly in the democratic process by registering 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.
Jonathan also lamented the negative perception many Nigerians face abroad, blaming years of leadership failures for the situation.
“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.
While acknowledging the growing calls for his return, Jonathan maintained that he would continue consulting 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,” Jonathan stated.
