A political strain group, the Nationwide Coalition for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has known as on former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to affix the 2027 presidential race.
The group described him as “Nigeria’s Solely Hope” and a unifying determine able to addressing the nation’s present challenges.
The enchantment was made on Wednesday in Abuja when members of the coalition marched in massive numbers to Jonathan’s residence in Maitama.
The delegation, led by the group’s Nationwide President, Dr. Tom Ohikere, mentioned their go to was to formally current a letter urging the previous chief to declare his curiosity within the subsequent election.
Addressing journalists after the go to, Ohikere mentioned the coalition was appearing on behalf of Nigerians throughout the nation. He famous that the demand for Jonathan’s return to energy adopted months of consultations in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Based on him, the coalition had noticed a constant name from residents who consider the previous president stays a stabilising power in Nigeria’s political panorama. He added that the message delivered to Jonathan was clear and direct.
“So I’m going to learn the copy of the letter we despatched to him.
“His Excellency, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR. I’m most humbled and privileged to guide a delegation of our members, representing hundreds of thousands of Nigerians from all 36 states, and to ship this message to you on their behalf.
“This message is brief, direct and easy. Nigerians have requested us to plead with you to come back to the rescue of our nation by declaring your curiosity in contesting for the presidency in 2027.
“In every single place that we’ve visited in the middle of our nationwide session over the interval of the final six months, the clamour for the return of the ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to come back to energy to rescue our nation has been loud and unmistakable.
“Nigerians are lamenting the present state of despair, homelessness and disunity within the nation. They see the ex-president as the one unifying power able to reversing the disaster looming over the nation.
“Nigerians are asking him to declare now for the 2027 presidential contest.
They’re ready and decided to come back out of their hundreds of thousands to help and vote massively for Goodluck Jonathan. That is the message from throughout the 36 states and the FCT.”
Ohikere additional defined that the previous president’s previous management document and private qualities set him aside. He argued that Jonathan’s administration left behind measurable achievements, which Nigerians can nonetheless relate to in the present day.
“We all know the value of a bag of rice. We all know what number of barrels of crude oil have been exchanged for {dollars}. We all know, and we all know how a lot all these items are going for out there now.
“Goodluck Jonathan is a confirmed substitute for the current messy state of affairs we face in Nigeria. He’s going to declare within the subsequent few days, and he’s going to announce the platform himself,” he mentioned.
Additionally talking, the coalition’s Nationwide Secretary, Dr. Jibunusho Umetafa, described the go to as a crucial step in mobilising help for Jonathan’s doable return. He pointed to insecurity, {economic} hardship and widespread displacement as key issues dealing with Nigerians.
Umetafa claimed that democratic values had weakened since Jonathan left workplace. He insisted that the previous president’s management fashion may restore confidence in governance and enhance nationwide stability.
“It’s like when Mr Jonathan was going, he went with democracy. Democracy has gone, and that’s why we’re right here, for him to revive democracy in our nation.
“We all know what is occurring in our space. Persons are not of their properties. We can’t sleep with our eyes closed
“Most of us have been destabilised. At the least, if we will have any person like him, who has the folks and our nation in his thoughts, we undoubtedly know that this nation might be in fine condition. Persons are ready for him, particularly within the north.”
He additionally expressed concern over rising insecurity in northern Nigeria, significantly within the North-West, describing the state of affairs as alarming. Based on him, the area wants a frontrunner with expertise and empathy.
One other member of the group, Dr. Amodu Samson Abacha, mentioned public sentiment now favours the previous president. He famous that many Nigerians consider the nation was comparatively safer throughout Jonathan’s tenure.
Abacha highlighted Jonathan’s conduct throughout the 2015 transition, when he conceded defeat to former President Muhammadu Buhari even earlier than the ultimate outcomes have been introduced. He described the transfer as a mark of true democratic management.
He added that world political traits present that former leaders can return to energy, citing examples from different international locations. Based on him, Jonathan’s expertise and temperament place him as a reputable choice for Nigeria.
The coalition maintained that its marketing campaign would proceed nationwide till the previous president comes to a decision on the request.