2027: Presidency Not A ‘Computer Game’, I’ll Consult Widely — Jonathan

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has played down growing calls for his return to the presidential race, stressing that contesting for Nigeria’s top office was a serious undertaking that cannot be decided on impulse.

Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday while addressing a delegation of supporters who visited his office in Abuja, urging him to join the 2027 presidential contest.

“Contesting the Nigerian presidency isn’t a computer game,” he said, pushing back against mounting speculation about a possible comeback bid.

The former president noted that while he has been receiving messages of support, particularly from young Nigerians, he would not rush into any political decision without broad consultations.

“I’ve heard from young people, and I’ll consult. I cannot just wake up and decide I want to be president of Nigeria again,” Jonathan said.

Reiterating his cautious stance, he added: “Like I said, I’ll consult, and if there’s a need, I will.”

His comments come amid increasing political conversations ahead of the 2027 general election, with some supporters positioning the former President as a potential consensus candidate capable of bridging political divides.

LEADERSHIP reports that Jonathan served as Nigeria’s President from 2010 to 2015, first assuming office following the death of the then President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He subsequently won the 2011 presidential election under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In 2015, he lost his re-election bid to General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), marking the first time an incumbent Nigerian president conceded defeat at the polls, a move widely praised both locally and internationally as a milestone for Nigeria’s democracy.

Since leaving office, Jonathan has remained active in diplomacy and peacebuilding efforts across Africa, often serving as a mediator in regional political crises.