Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday stirred fresh political speculations ahead of the 2027 general elections after declaring that the “presidential race is not a computer game,” while responding to mounting calls by supporters urging him to return to Nigeria’s top political office.
Jonathan made the remarks when a delegation of supporters and political associates visited him at his office in Abuja, appealing to him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Addressing the group, the former Nigerian leader thanked them for what he described as their patriotism and sustained interest in the future of the country, stressing that only citizens genuinely committed to national development can build a stable and prosperous Nigeria.
“I thank you for showing interest in Nigeria. If you had no interest in Nigeria, you would not be here. Only patriotic citizens build their country; unpatriotic citizens destroy the nation and take the money elsewhere to enjoy their lives,” Mr Jonathan said.
The former president also lamented what he described as worsening voter apathy in Nigeria, warning that public distrust in the electoral process could further weaken democratic participation if political leaders fail to guarantee transparent and credible elections.
“The key thing we need in Nigeria is peace, and you must continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections. Nigeria has one of the highest rates of voter apathy I have seen globally,” he stated.
Responding directly to the appeals by the delegation, Mr Jonathan stopped short of declaring his ambition but signalled that he would not dismiss the pressure outright, saying he would embark on broader consultations before taking any decision.
“You have come today to ask me to run. I have heard you. The presidential race is not a computer game. I will consult widely,” the former president added, drawing applause from supporters at the gathering.
Mr Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015 after succeeding late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua following his death in office. He later won the 2011 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party before losing reelection in 2015 to former President Muhammadu Buhari in what was widely regarded as Nigeria’s first major democratic transfer of power between rival political parties.
The latest calls for his return mirror similar political moves ahead of the 2023 presidential election when several northern groups and political organisations publicly urged him to contest. In May 2022, a coalition purchased the All Progressives Congress presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for him without his consent, triggering widespread national debate over a possible comeback bid.
At the time, Mr Jonathan distanced himself from the move through his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, insisting he neither authorised the purchase of the forms nor secretly pursued any presidential ambition through the APC.
