Hundreds of young Nigerians on Wednesday rallied at the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to join the 2027 presidential race.
The protesters, operating under the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, gathered at Taraba Close in Maitama, causing traffic disruptions as they marched, chanted slogans, and displayed placards appealing for his return to active politics.
Messages on the placards reflected growing frustration among the demonstrators, with inscriptions such as “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!” and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench.”
Leading the demonstration, the coalition’s National President, Tom Ohikere, said the rally followed months of nationwide consultations.
“Across the country, the call for his return has been overwhelming and unmistakable,” Ohikere stated, describing Jonathan as a unifying leader capable of tackling Nigeria’s current political and economic challenges. He added that the group would continue its campaign until the former president responds.
Despite waiting for several hours, the protesters were unable to meet Jonathan, who was reportedly absent at the time. Sources indicated he arrived at the residence shortly after the group dispersed.
The rally underscores a renewed wave of political pressure from youth groups and diaspora organizations advocating Jonathan’s return ahead of the 2027 elections. Similar efforts were seen in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, when some political actors even obtained nomination forms on his behalf—an action that sparked debates over its legality and his constitutional eligibility.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has yet to declare any intention to contest. Since leaving office, he has largely remained in a statesman role, focusing on diplomacy and election observation missions across Africa.
