‘I will consult widely’ – Jonathan responds to calls to run for 2027 election

A group of youths under the banner of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday staged a solidarity rally at the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, intensifying calls for his return to the presidential race ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The demonstration, which took place around Taraba Close in Maitama, Abuja, attracted a large crowd that spilled into adjoining streets, causing traffic disruption in the highbrow district.

The youths were seen chanting slogans, dancing to music, and displaying placards with inscriptions such as “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!”, “GEJ, Nigerian youths break the medicine wey dem do you”, and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench”, while urging the former president to re-enter active politics.

They described Jonathan as a unifying national figure capable of addressing Nigeria’s current political and economic challenges, arguing that his leadership style remains relevant in today’s climate.

The rally adds to a growing wave of public endorsements from different groups calling on the former president, who led Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 before losing the 2015 election to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to consider another run.

Addressing the gathering, Jonathan acknowledged the appeals, stating that he had heard them “loud and clear” but would consult widely before taking any decision.

“I’ve heard you loud and clear. I will consult widely before taking any decision,” he said.

He also used the occasion to encourage Nigerian youths to deepen participation in democratic processes, stressing the need for credible, peaceful, and transparent elections.

Jonathan expressed concern over what he described as persistent voter apathy in Nigeria, noting that it remains one of the country’s biggest democratic challenges.

“Nigeria has one of the highest levels of voter apathy in all the elections I have observed globally,” he said.

The former president urged young people to move beyond passive engagement and take a more active role in civic and political participation, saying democracy is strengthened when citizens actively shape outcomes through the ballot.