ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s former President, Goodluck Jonathan, stated on Thursday, May 7, 2026 that he will consult widely before deciding whether to enter the 2027 presidential race.
Okay News reports that Jonathan addressed members of various youth groups at his office in Abuja who urged him to run for office. He told the visitors that leadership requires careful consideration and is not a simple undertaking. “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,” he said.
Jonathan told the groups that patriotism is essential to nation building and encouraged young people to promote peace. “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. Because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to bother to get involved in politics,” he said.
The former president noted that the country records low voter turnout and called for the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, to review the causes. He stated that he has observed elections in more than 14 African countries and Southeast Asia where participation was higher. “I think INEC needs to do something about it. They need to start to get consultants to look at it,” he said.
Jonathan said that active participation in the electoral process is necessary for those seeking political changes. “If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50% 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 concluded the meeting by stating that he would not make an immediate decision regarding the 2027 election. “I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again. But I am telling you that I will consult. If there is a need to, I will wait,” he said.
