Jonathan considers declaration for presidency

Former President Goodluck Jonathan may soon declare his interest to reclaim the exalted seat of the presidency in the 2023 poll.

Jonathan dropped the hint while addressing hundreds of youths from across the country, who trooped to his foundation’s office in Maitama to clamour for his return to power.

His words: “You are calling me to come and declare for the next election. I cannot tell you I am declaring. The political process is ongoing. Just watch out. But the key role you must play is to pray that Nigeria gets somebody that carry the young people along. Somebody that can also work very hard to see that some of the problems you raised are dealt with by the government.

“This march shows that the youths are interested in politics. I encourage you to get involved in the political process. And as long as many youths get involved in the political process, you will be able to get the government you want. I believe, collectively, we will work together. I thank you all.”

The development is coming against the backdrop of speculations that a section of the political elite in the North are disposed to having Jonathan succeed President Muhammadu Buhari to serve out his remaining four years in office, to pave way for the return of power to the North for another eight years.

Jonathan, who may declare for the exalted seat on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed gratitude to the youths and women for calling on him to take another shot at the presidency in the 2023 poll.

Referring to the ‘Not Too Young to Run Bill’ signed into law when he was in the saddle, he enjoined the youths to actively participate in the 2023 poll.

Mayor Samuel, who spoke on behalf of the youths, argued that the return of Jonathan remained the panacea to the multi-faceted challenges in the country.

The youths brandished various placards with inscriptions such as ‘Run, Goodluck Run’, ‘Goodluck Jonathan, you are wasting your time, declare now’, ‘Goodluck, we want you back’, ‘Jonathan, Nigeria wants you to run’.