Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he will consult widely before deciding whether to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan spoke on Thursday in Abuja while meeting youth groups who urged him to return to power.
He said becoming president is a serious matter and not something to decide casually.
“You are asking me to contest the next election.
The presidential race is not a computer game. But I have heard you, and I will consult widely,” he said.
He praised the youths for showing interest in Nigeria’s future and encouraged them to support peace and credible elections.
Jonathan said peaceful and transparent elections would encourage competent Nigerians to participate in politics.
He also expressed concern over low voter turnout in Nigeria, describing it as one of the worst he had seen compared to other African and Asian countries where he had observed elections.
He urged young Nigerians to register for voter cards and participate actively in elections.
“I cannot just wake up and say I want to be president again. I will consult before taking any decision,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to hear a suit today seeking to stop Jonathan from contesting the 2027 election.
The case was filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who argued that Jonathan had already completed the constitutional limit of two presidential terms.
According to the suit, Jonathan first completed the remaining tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua after his death in 2010 and later won the 2011 presidential election for a full term.
The plaintiff asked the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting Jonathan’s candidacy if he decides to run.
Jonathan, INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation are listed as defendants in the suit.
Also, the Nigeria Democratic Congress denied reports that it had reached an agreement with Jonathan ahead of the 2027 election.
The party’s Deputy National Spokesman, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, said consultations on the party’s presidential ticket were still ongoing and no decision had been made on Jonathan’s possible candidacy.
He added that the party remained open to welcoming influential politicians from different parties ahead of the next general election.
