2027 Presidency: I’m Consulting Widely Whether to Join the Race, Jonathan Speaks

By Emmanuel Kwada

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he is widely consulting on whether to contest the 2027 presidential election, keeping the door open to a possible return to power.

Jonathan made the disclosure on Thursday when members of the Coalition for Jonathan 2027 visited him at his office in Abuja.

The group, led by Dr. Tom Ohikere, urged the former president to join the race to “save Nigeria from impending collapse,” recalling a previous visit on April 8, 2026.

Addressing the large crowd of supporters, Jonathan acknowledged the strong calls for him to run but stopped short of making any immediate declaration.

“I’ve heard you and I will consult widely,” he said. “You are asking me to come and contest the next election. Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you and I’ll consult widely.”

The former president stressed the need for peace and credible elections in the country.

“The key thing we need in this country is peace. You continue to advocate for that. And you continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections in the country,” he added.

Jonathan further challenged Nigerian youths to move beyond online discussions and actively participate in the electoral process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

“If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50 per cent of you don’t have your voter’s card. And you’re asking me to go and contest the election. So you must participate in the electoral process,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of patriotism, urging young Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s political future.

The Coalition for Jonathan 2027 had earlier presented a passionate appeal, expressing disappointment that Jonathan had not yet picked up a nomination form in any political party since their last visit.

While responding, Jonathan noted that he cannot “just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again,” but assured the group that he would consult thoroughly before making any decision.

This latest statement is being interpreted by political observers as his strongest signal yet of possible interest in the 2027 presidential race. Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015.

The development comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country.