Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will consult widely over growing calls for him to contest the 2027 presidential election, even as he moves to challenge a suit seeking to bar him from participating in the race.

Jonathan spoke on Thursday while receiving a delegation of youths under the aegis of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan at his Abuja residence, where they urged him to join the presidential contest.

Welcoming the group, the former Bayelsa State governor thanked them for showing interest in the country’s future, but stressed that any decision on a possible return to power would require extensive consultations.

“My children, my brothers, and my sisters, first and foremost, let me welcome you to my office here in Abuja, and thank you for showing interest in your country,” Jonathan said.

“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here, so I can say that you are showing signs of being patriotic Nigerians, and I will encourage you to continue to be patriotic in the country.

“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next election. The presidential race is not a computer game, but I have heard you, and I will consult widely.”

The former president also urged Nigerian youths to participate actively in the electoral process, particularly by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards.

Expressing concern over voter apathy, Jonathan said many young Nigerians clamouring for political change were yet to register to vote.

“As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he said. “If I ask how many of you have your voter cards now, probably 50 per cent of you do not even have voter cards, and you are asking me to contest the election. So, you must be patriotic and participate in the electoral process.”

According to him, Nigeria records one of the lowest voter turnouts among African countries.

“We have the highest voter apathy. I have had to study it, engage consultants to examine the causes, and see what can be done. As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he added.

Jonathan’s comments came amid renewed political discussions over a possible 2027 presidential bid and ongoing legal efforts aimed at preventing him from contesting.

On Friday, the former president challenged a suit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi seeking to restrain him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Jonathan, through his counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, informed Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja that a conditional appearance, notice of preliminary objection, counter-affidavit, and written address had already been filed on May 5, urging the court to dismiss the case.

Uche told the court that Jonathan became aware of the suit through media reports, prompting the urgent filing of the processes because of the significance of the matter, which concerns the former president’s eligibility to contest the next election.

The senior advocate described it as unfortunate that a lawyer would institute such a suit despite the issue having previously been determined by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Earlier, counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court that the matter was slated for mention, but that he had only just been served with Jonathan’s processes.

Ukpai requested more time to respond.

Justice Lifu subsequently adjourned the matter until May 11 at 2 p.m. for hearing of Jonathan’s objection and the substantive suit.

The judge also ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation, who are listed as the second and third defendants respectively.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Jideobi is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate in the 2027 presidential election.

The lawyer is also asking the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated presidential candidate.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jonathan was listed as the first defendant, while INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation were joined as second and third defendants respectively.

Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 after previously serving as vice president.

Since leaving office, calls for him to seek another term have persisted, with supporters arguing that he possesses the experience and political influence needed to lead the country again.

However, the former president has largely stayed away from partisan politics, focusing instead on election observer missions across Africa.