As the battle for the 2027 general elections intensifies, former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he would engage in broad consultations before deciding whether to contest the presidential election.

Jonathan spoke on Thursday while addressing a group of supporters who visited his office in Abuja to urge him to join the presidential race.

The supporters appealed to the former Nigerian leader to contest the presidential election, saying they believed his return could help stabilise the country.

“We are asking you to hear our cries and contest the 2027 presidential election,” the supporters told Jonathan. The mammoth crowd that came with us here today is a fragment of our supporters nationwide.

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“Your Excellency, we have over 10 million supporters nationwide… And then, we represent every tribe, every political party, and tongue. Young, old, girls and boys, men and women are all here crying for your voice to say ‘Yes’ to our request.”

They also urged him to obtain a presidential nomination form from any political party of his choice ahead of the election.

In response, Jonathan stressed the importance of patriotism, peace and credible elections in Nigeria, particularly for young people.

“It’s only patriotic citizens who build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation, take the money to anywhere to enjoy their life. So you must be patriotic,” he said.

He urged Nigerian youths to continue advocating for peaceful and transparent elections, warning that credible citizens may avoid politics if elections are not conducted fairly.

“The key thing we need in this country is peace,” Jonathan stated.

“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 getting involved in politics.”

The former president also encouraged young Nigerians to remain actively involved in the democratic process, especially by exercising their voting rights.

Reflecting on his experience as an election observer in several African countries, Jonathan noted that presidential contests require serious consideration and cannot be approached casually.

“The presidential race is not a computer game. But I heard you. And I will consult widely,” he said.

“But the most important thing is that in Nigeria, the young people will have a Nigeria that will plan for our grandchildren.”