Hundreds of youths under the banner of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday staged a solidarity rally at the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The demonstrators gathered around Taraba Close in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory, chanting songs and displaying placards calling on the former Nigerian leader to return to active politics.
The rally caused heavy traffic congestion in the upscale district as supporters danced, sang and waved banners bearing inscriptions such as, “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it,” and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench.”
The youths described Jonathan as a national unifier with the capacity to address the country’s political and economic challenges.
Thursday’s demonstration is the latest in a series of calls by different political and social groups appealing to the former president to seek another term in office ahead of the 2027 general election.
Addressing the crowd, Jonathan acknowledged the appeals and said he would consult widely before deciding on his next political move.
“I’ve heard you loud and clear. I will consult widely before taking any decision,” the former president said.
Jonathan also charged young Nigerians to become more involved in the democratic process, stressing the need for peaceful, credible and transparent elections in the country.
The former governor of Bayelsa State expressed concern over the growing level of voter apathy, which he described as a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“Nigeria has one of the highest levels of voter apathy in all the elections I have observed globally,” he stated.
He urged youths to move beyond mere observation and participate actively in civic and political engagements.
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 before losing his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.