‘I Will Consult Widely’ — Jonathan Responds to Youths Calling for 2027 Bid

‘I Will Consult Widely’ — Jonathan Responds to Youths Calling for 2027 Bid

A group of youths under the banner of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday staged a large solidarity rally at the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election. The demonstrators gathered at Taraba Close in the Maitama district of Abuja, blocking sections of the road and causing heavy traffic disruption in the high-security neighbourhood as chants, music and dancing filled the area.

The supporters carried placards with various messages calling for Jonathan’s return to power, including: “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!”, “GEJ, Nigerian youths break the medicine wey dem do you”, and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench.” The rally reflects growing political mobilisation by pro-Jonathan groups across parts of the country, as calls for his return to frontline politics ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify.

Addressing the crowd, Jonathan did not declare interest in the race but acknowledged the growing pressure from supporters urging him to return. He said, “I’ve heard you loud and clear. I will consult widely before taking any decision.” His comments come amid increased speculation within political circles about a possible comeback bid, although he has not formally declared his intention to contest.

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Jonathan also used the opportunity to caution young Nigerians on the importance of civic participation, especially in the electoral process. He stressed that credible elections and active youth engagement are critical to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

The former president expressed concern about what he described as rising voter apathy in Nigeria, saying many citizens—especially young people—fail to participate actively in elections. “Nigeria has one of the highest levels of voter apathy in all the elections I have observed globally,” Jonathan said. He urged youths not only to demand good leadership but also to take part in shaping it through voter registration and active participation during elections.

The Abuja rally adds to a series of increasing calls from political groups, civil society actors and supporters urging Jonathan to re-enter the political arena ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some groups have described him as a “consensus-building leader” capable of stabilising Nigeria amid ongoing economic hardship, insecurity and political tension.

However, his potential return remains uncertain, especially as legal debates continue over his eligibility. A separate court case currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja is seeking to bar Jonathan from contesting, arguing that he has already exhausted the constitutionally allowed presidential terms.

Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 after assuming office following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He later won the 2011 election before losing his re-election bid in 2015 to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since leaving office, Jonathan has largely remained active in international diplomacy, election observation missions, and mediation roles across Africa. The latest wave of youth-led rallies has now placed him back at the centre of Nigeria’s pre-2027 political discussions, though his final decision remains pending.

‘I Will Consult Widely’ — Jonathan Responds to Youths Calling for 2027 Bid