Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Hundreds of Nigerian youths on Wednesday converged on the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election amid growing concerns over the country’s political and economic direction.
The youths, operating under the banner of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, staged the rally at Taraba Close, Maitama District, where they marched, sang, danced, and displayed placards calling on the former president to return to active politics.
The demonstration caused temporary traffic disruption in the highbrow area as protesters chanted slogans and waved banners bearing strong messages about Nigeria’s current situation.
Some of the placards read:
“GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!”
“GEJ, Nigerian youths break the medicine wey dem do you,”
“GEJ, if you no run, we quench.”
*Youths Cite National Challenges, Urge Jonathan to Return*
National President of the coalition, Tom Ohikere, who led the rally, said the call for Jonathan’s return followed months of nationwide consultations.
He said, “Everywhere that we have visited in the course of our nationwide consultation over a period of six months, the clamour for his return to power to rescue our country has been loud and unmistakable.”
Ohikere described Jonathan as a unifying leader capable of addressing Nigeria’s mounting challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, and political tension.
According to him, the coalition would continue mobilising support until the former president responds.
“We will keep coming until we get a positive response,” he added.
*Protesters Waited Three Hours*
The demonstrators reportedly waited for more than three hours at the residence, hoping to meet Jonathan personally. However, he was said to be away at the time.
Sources later indicated that the former president arrived at the residence around 1 p.m., shortly after the protesters had dispersed.
Growing Momentum Ahead of 2027
Wednesday’s rally reflects a growing wave of pressure from political groups, youth organisations, and diaspora communities urging Jonathan to return to partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development mirrors a similar push in 2022, when various groups across Nigeria campaigned for Jonathan to contest the 2023 presidential election.
At the time, a coalition of northern youths and political actors even purchased presidential nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Jonathan, despite his membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The move triggered widespread debate over its legality and political implications, particularly given Jonathan’s previous tenure in office.
Jonathan eventually declined to join the race, maintaining silence for weeks before distancing himself from the campaign.
Jonathan Maintains Statesman Role
Although Jonathan has not publicly declared interest in the 2027 race, calls for his return continue to intensify.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2010 to 2015, has since maintained a statesman role, focusing largely on diplomacy, peace-building initiatives, and election observation missions across Africa.
However, Wednesday’s rally signals increasing youth-driven pressure, with protesters insisting that Nigeria needs experienced leadership to navigate its current challenges.
For now, the former president has yet to respond to the renewed calls — but organisers say their campaign is just beginning.
