- Safiu Kehinde
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has accepted calls for him to contest in the 2027 Presidential Election as he announced commencement of consultations.
Jonathan expressed readiness to contest in the election while calling for the political participation of Nigerian youths and those demanding his return.
The former president made this known while addressing newsmen after a public engagement on Thursday.
Jonathan harped on the need for Nigerians to have their voters’ card necessary for them to participate in the election.
“As young people, you must involve in the electoral process.
“If I ask how many of you has voters’ card now, probably 50 percent of you don’t even have voters’ card and you are asking me to go and contest in the next election.
“So, you must be patriotic. You must participate in the electoral process. Yes you are asking me to come and contest in the next election.
“But I’ve heard you and I will consult widely. But most important thing is a Nigeria that the young people can have hope. A Nigeria that will plan for her grandchildren.” He said.
Meanwhile, the ex-president called for peaceful conduct of election.
He however decried the level of voters’ apathy in the country stressing that Nigeria has the lowest turnout for election as compared to over 14 countries he had visited.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace and we will continue to advocate for that.
“We will 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.
“And indeed you, as young citizens, must be fully involved in electoral process, especially your right to vote.
“I observed elections at about 14 or more African countries.
“Some, I’ve been there two times and even in Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout of election in every election cycle.” He said.
Jonahtan called for the intervention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in addressing the challenge.
“We have the highest voters’ apathy. I’ve never been to a country that has the low number that we have in terms of percentage of voters.
“I think INEC needs to do something about it.” He added,