Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he is yet to decide whether or not to yield to pressure from different groups urging him to contest the 2023 presidential election.
He said this on Friday in Abuja when his committee of friends and some youths from across the country visited him at his Foundation office in Maitama, Abuja.
The Coalition of Northern Youths, other youth and women groups from across the federation were part of the visit.
The youth were chanting ‘run Goodluck run’ and they were also seen holding placards that read ‘declare now, Goodluck, you must run’ ‘You are wasting our time declare now,’ among other descriptions.
Jonathan said the visits, especially by the youth, particularly showed that they were clearly interested in the political affairs of the country.
He urged them to be interested and be key players in the country’s politics to enthrone good governance.
“As youths, we must get involved in the country’s political process and luckily the law of `Not too Young to Run’ bill has made it clear that youths can contest almost every position in government.
“We will continue to encourage youths to get involved in the country’s political process.
“And as long as many youths get involved in the political process, we will be able to get the government we want,” he said.
Jonathan expressed optimism that with youth involvement in politics, the enthronement of good government that would effectively address the country’s current challenges was possible.
He, however, said that though some of the country’s present challenges went way back but could be dealt with from a united front.
On whether he would declare for the 2023 presidential election, Jonathan said the political process was ongoing.
“Yes, you are calling me to come and declare for the 2023 presidency, yes I can’t tell you am declaring, the political process is ongoing, just watch out.
“But the key role you must play is to pray that Nigeria gets a president that will carry the young people along and work very hard to see that some of the country’s problems raised are dealt with.
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“I believe that collectively, we can work together,” the former President added.
The leader of Youth Compatriots of Nigeria, Mr Mayor Samuel, while speaking with newsmen at the event, said youths were prepared to support Jonathan to ensure that he emerged the country’s next president in 2023.
He decried the spate of insecurity in parts of the country and the dwindling economy, saying there was a need to address the situation.
According to him, the Nigeria Peoples Party is ready to give Jonathan its presidential ticket to contest the 2023 presidential election.
He said the party though not registered yet, belonged to the downtrodden, adding that any party that gave its presidential ticket to Jonathan would be supported by all Nigerians.
“The secret to good governance is what Nigeria requires at the moment, Jonathan had been tested and proven and we are ready to follow him,’’ he said.
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