Nigerians Mount Pressure on Jonathan Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nigerian youths and several civil society organizations on Wednesday staged a protest at the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to declare his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.

The demonstrators, who gathered in large numbers, occupied parts of the Federal Capital Territory, chanting slogans and displaying placards calling for Jonathan’s return to power. Some of the placards read, “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!” and “GEJ, Nigerian youths have forgiven you.”

Another warned, “GEJ, if you don’t run, we will not relent.”

Speaking during the protest, public affairs analyst and former Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Tom Ohikere, stated that the group had waited for over three hours in hopes of meeting the former president, but he did not appear.

Ohikere explained that the protest followed extensive nationwide consultations conducted over six months, during which many Nigerians reportedly expressed strong support for Jonathan’s return to leadership.

“As we moved across the country, the demand for his return to rescue Nigeria has been consistent and overwhelming,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, Jonathan had not issued any official response to the calls.

The demonstration reflects increasing pressure from various groups within Nigeria and in the diaspora encouraging the former president to join the 2027 presidential race.

This development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Members and supporters of the opposition party also staged a protest at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the reinstatement of the David Mark-led leadership faction.

Overall, the renewed wave of political activity signals growing momentum as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.