EXCLUSIVE: Jonathan may pick PDP endorsement form Monday amid pressure to contest 2027 poll

Former President Goodluck Jonathan may formally enter the 2027 presidential race on Monday as pressure mounts on him to contest the next election.

Sources familiar with ongoing political consultations said Jonathan has already signalled interest in returning to active politics and could soon make his next move public.

A source privy to the development said the former president may pick the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) endorsement form as consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.

The development comes amid growing calls from youths and political groups urging Jonathan to contest the presidency.

On Thursday, a coalition of youths under the aegis of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan stormed the former president’s residence in Abuja in a solidarity rally, chanting songs and calling on him to return to power.

The protesters, who gathered around Taraba Close in Maitama, carried placards with inscriptions such as “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!” and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench.”

Addressing the crowd, Jonathan acknowledged their calls but said the decision to contest the presidency was not one to be taken lightly.

“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. But the most important thing is in Nigeria, that the young people will have hope,” he said.

Jonathan also urged Nigerian youths to remain patriotic and committed to nation-building, warning that unpatriotic citizens could destroy their country.

“I urge you to continue to be patriotic to the country. It’s only patriotic citizens that build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation,” he said.

The former president stressed the need for peace, credible elections and greater youth participation in the democratic process.

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

Jonathan warned that without peaceful and credible elections, many competent Nigerians would continue to avoid politics.

“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 added.

He also lamented the high level of voter apathy in Nigeria, describing it as one of the worst he has observed globally.

“I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries. Nigeria has the lowest turnout of elections in every election cycle. We have the highest voter apathy,” Jonathan said.

The former president challenged Nigerian youths to obtain their voter cards and actively participate in elections instead of remaining passive observers.

“If I ask how many of you have your voter cards now, probably 50% of you don’t even have a voter’s card. And you’re asking me to go and contest elections,” he said.

Jonathan is also contesting a suit seeking to stop him from running in the 2027 presidential election.

Political observers have speculated that Jonathan may align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress following recent political realignments involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the platform he may adopt for the 2027 election.

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