Why oppositions may adopt Jonathan as consensus candidate

Opposition groups are considering adopting former President Goodluck Jonathan as their consensus candidate.

A highly placed figure in the opposition group disclosed this to News Diggers.

Explaining the reason for the idea, the source said, “Jonathan has national appeal. He stands a better chance of winning in 2027 than Obi and Atiku, who are regional champions.

“Jonathan is the only one that can dislodge Tinubu from Aso Rock. We will engage Atiku and Obi to see if they can drop their ambitions so that we can have a consensus candidate in the person of Jonathan. By so doing, there will be no sharing of votes between the key opposition candidates that will make Tinubu remain in power.”

The source added that:  “The goal here should be how to unseat Tinubu by any legitimate means possible and not about achieving personal lifetime ambition of any candidate. Nigerians need to be delivered from the hardship that Tinubu has plunged them into and it’s only Jonathan that can make that happen.

“Nigerians earnestly yearn for him and we can’t afford to allow this slip off our hands. Since the South is favoured to produce the president in 2027, Jonathan aptly fits in because he can only occupy the seat for a term and hand over to a northerner.”

Jonathan had on Thursday said he will consult widely before deciding whether to contest the 2027 presidential election, following calls by supporters urging him to return to the race.

Jonathan made the remark when a group of supporters visited his office in Abuja, appealing to him to declare interest in the 2027 presidential election.

Addressing the former president, the group said they were motivated by concerns over Nigeria’s future and urged him to heed their request to run for office again.

“Because of our genuine fear of possible collapse, we decided to march on your office today again, hoping that you will step out to receive us and make a statement that will gladden our hearts and the entire nation,” the supporters said.

The group claimed to have over 10 million supporters across the country and described themselves as representing different tribes, political parties, age groups and backgrounds.

“We are asking you to hear our cries and contest the 2027 presidential election,” they added, while also urging Jonathan to obtain a presidential nomination form from a political party of his choice.

Responding, Jonathan thanked the supporters for their patriotism but stressed the importance of peace, credible elections and youth participation in the democratic process.

“It’s only patriotic citizens that build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation,” he said.

The former president urged young Nigerians to continue advocating for peaceful and credible elections, noting that credible electoral processes would encourage competent citizens to participate in politics.

“The key thing we need in this country is peace,” Jonathan said. “And you continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections in the country, because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to bother to get involved in politics.”

Jonathan, who said he had observed elections in more than 14 African countries, cautioned that presidential contests should not be taken lightly.

“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I heard you. And I will consult widely,” he said.

He added that young people must remain actively involved in shaping the country’s future to ensure a better Nigeria for future generations.