Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will consult widely before making a decision on calls urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election, stressing that the race for Nigeria’s highest office “is not a computer game.”
Jonathan spoke on Thursday while receiving youth groups who visited his office in Abuja to press him to join the race, saying he had taken note of their appeal but would not rush into a political decision without wide consultations.
His remarks come as the Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear a suit today (Friday) seeking to bar him from contesting the 2027 presidential election on the grounds that he has allegedly exceeded the constitutional limit for holding the office of President.
The suit, filed by a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, is asking the court to declare Jonathan ineligible to run again and to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing his name as a candidate in the forthcoming election.
Speaking on Thursday while receiving some youth groups who visited him at his office in Abuja to press him to return to the presidential race, the former President said he would consult widely before taking any decision, stressing that leadership required careful consideration.
“You are asking me to come and contest the next election. The presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” he said.
He commended the youth for showing interest in the country, describing patriotism as essential to nation-building.