By Emmanuel Nduka
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has said contesting for the presidency is not a “computer game,” declaring that he would consult widely before taking a decision on the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan spoke on Thursday when a group of youths under the aegis of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan visited his Abuja office to urge him to join the 2027 presidential race.
Responding to the appeal, the former president said: “Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections. Presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely”.
He commended the youths for demonstrating patriotism and interest in the affairs of the country, stressing that national development depends largely on citizens’ commitment to the democratic process.
“My children, my brothers, and my sisters, first and foremost, let me welcome you to my office in Abuja here, and thank you for showing interest in your country,” Jonathan said.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here, so I can say that you are showing signs of being patriotic Nigerians, and I will encourage you to continue to be patriotic in the country,” he added.
The former president also urged young Nigerians to actively participate in elections by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards, lamenting the high level of voter apathy in the country.
“As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process. If I ask how many of you have your voter’s cards now, probably 50 percent of you don’t even have voter’s cards, and you’re asking me to go and contest the election,” he said.
Jonathan noted that from his experience observing elections across more than 14 African countries, Nigeria records one of the lowest voter turnouts during elections.
“We have the highest voter apathy. I think I next need to do something. I’ve had to study it, get consultants who look at it, and what is the cause, and do something,” he added.
He stressed the importance of peaceful and credible elections, saying such conditions would encourage competent citizens to participate in politics and governance.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to bother to get involved in politics,” Jonathan said.
The former president also raised concerns over the growing “Japa syndrome,” warning that Nigeria risks losing its human capital if urgent steps are not taken to improve conditions in the country.
“The Japa syndrome in Nigeria has to stop. The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” he said.
Jonathan, however, noted that the needed changes in the country were not tied to any individual ambition, adding that although he had heard the calls for him to contest, he would continue consultations as the 2027 race draws closer.
