‘Nigeria’s Only Hope’ – Coalition Urges Jonathan to Contest 2027 Presidency

A political pressure group, the National Coalition for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has called on former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race.

The group described him as “Nigeria’s Only Hope” and a unifying figure capable of addressing the country’s current challenges.

The appeal was made on Wednesday in Abuja when members of the coalition marched in large numbers to Jonathan’s residence in Maitama.

The delegation, led by the group’s National President, Dr. Tom Ohikere, said their visit was to formally present a letter urging the former leader to declare his interest in the next election.

Addressing journalists after the visit, Ohikere said the coalition was acting on behalf of Nigerians across the country. He noted that the demand for Jonathan’s return to power followed months of consultations in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, the coalition had observed a consistent call from citizens who believe the former president remains a stabilising force in Nigeria’s political landscape. He added that the message delivered to Jonathan was clear and direct.

“So I’m going to read the copy of the letter we sent to him.

“His Excellency, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR. I am most humbled and privileged to lead a delegation of our members, representing millions of Nigerians from all 36 states, and to deliver this message to you on their behalf.

“This message is short, direct and simple. Nigerians have asked us to plead with you to come to the rescue of our nation by declaring your interest in contesting for the presidency in 2027.

“Everywhere that we have visited in the course of our nationwide consultation over the period of the last six months, the clamour for the return of the ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to come to power to rescue our country has been loud and unmistakable.

“Nigerians are lamenting the current state of despair, homelessness and disunity in the country. They see the ex-president as the only unifying force capable of reversing the catastrophe looming over the country.

“Nigerians are asking him to declare now for the 2027 presidential contest.

They are prepared and determined to come out in their millions to support and vote massively for Goodluck Jonathan. This is the message from across the 36 states and the FCT.”

Ohikere further explained that the former president’s past leadership record and personal qualities set him apart. He argued that Jonathan’s administration left behind measurable achievements, which Nigerians can still relate to today.

“We know the price of a bag of rice. We know how many barrels of crude oil were exchanged for dollars. We know, and we know how much all these things are going for in the market now.

“Goodluck Jonathan is a confirmed replacement for the present messy situation we are facing in Nigeria. He is going to declare in the next few days, and he is going to announce the platform himself,” he said.

Also speaking, the coalition’s National Secretary, Dr. Jibunusho Umetafa, described the visit as a critical step in mobilising support for Jonathan’s possible return. He pointed to insecurity, economic hardship and widespread displacement as key concerns facing Nigerians.

Umetafa claimed that democratic values had weakened since Jonathan left office. He insisted that the former president’s leadership style could restore confidence in governance and improve national stability.

“It’s like when Mr Jonathan was going, he went with democracy. Democracy has gone, and that’s why we are here, for him to restore democracy in our country.

“We know what is happening in our area. People are not in their homes. We cannot sleep with our eyes closed

“Most of us have been destabilised. At least, if we can have somebody like him, who has the people and our country in his mind, we definitely know that this country will be in good shape. People are waiting for him, especially in the north.”

He also expressed concern over rising insecurity in northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, describing the situation as alarming. According to him, the region needs a leader with experience and empathy.

Another member of the group, Dr. Amodu Samson Abacha, said public sentiment now favours the former president. He noted that many Nigerians believe the country was relatively safer during Jonathan’s tenure.

Abacha highlighted Jonathan’s conduct during the 2015 transition, when he conceded defeat to former President Muhammadu Buhari even before the final results were announced. He described the move as a mark of true democratic leadership.

He added that global political trends show that former leaders can return to power, citing examples from other countries. According to him, Jonathan’s experience and temperament position him as a credible option for Nigeria.

The coalition maintained that its campaign would continue nationwide until the former president makes a decision on the request.