Youths Storm Jonathan’s Abuja Residence, Beg Ex-President to Contest 2027

Nigerian youths under the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan thronged the former president’s Abuja home on Thursday, demanding he reconsider a 2027 presidential run. Supporters packed Maitama’s Taraba Close, waving placards reading “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!” and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench.”

Jonathan didn’t say yes. He didn’t say no either. “I’ve heard you loud and clear. I will consult widely before taking any decision,” he told the crowd, while urging young Nigerians to take democracy more seriously.

The former president also raised concern about Nigeria’s voter apathy problem. “Nigeria has one of the highest levels of voter apathy in all the elections I have observed globally,” he said — a striking admission from someone who lost an election partly because millions stayed home.

Jonathan governed Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, when he was voted out for Muhammadu Buhari. Thursday’s rally is the most visible sign yet of a coordinated push to draft him back into the race.

Sources: TheCable, Legit.ng, Punch, Ripples Nigeria