Former President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to join the 2027 presidential race on Friday, according to sources close to the former leader. The move follows growing pressure from a group of young Nigerians who appealed to him to contest, which he described as a serious matter not to be taken lightly. Jonathan said he would consult widely before making a final decision, adding that the presidency is not a "computer game." He did not confirm outright that he would run but indicated the possibility is under active consideration.
Political observers suggest Jonathan may join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a party recently bolstered by the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This has not been independently confirmed. Speaking to the youths who urged him to run, Jonathan emphasized patriotism, peace and credible elections as essential for national progress. He warned that unpatriotic citizens could destroy the nation by taking resources elsewhere for personal gain.
Jonathan, who monitored elections in over 14 African countries and parts of Southeast Asia, criticized Nigeria's low voter turnout, calling it the worst he has seen. He said many young people likely do not have voter cards and challenged them to participate first in the democratic process. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to study the causes of voter apathy and take action.
Goodluck Jonathan questions youth voter apathy while accepting their call to run, yet offers no proof he himself has a voter card. His criticism of low turnout rings hollow without disclosing his own participation in recent elections. If he wants youths to lead by example, he must first show he follows the process he preaches. A former president urging civic duty must also demonstrate it personally.
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