Thousands of Nigerian youths under the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan staged a peaceful demonstration outside the Abuja residence of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Wednesday morning, urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election. The gathering, which began around 8 a.m., saw participants from various states converge at Taraba Close near Tanganyika Street, moving through Farmers Market to IBB Way, disrupting early morning traffic. Chanting slogans and dancing to popular Nigerian music, they carried placards with messages like “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!” and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench,” expressing their urgent appeal for Jonathan’s return to leadership.
Led by Dr. Tom Ohikere, the national president of the coalition and former Kogi State Commissioner for Information, the group waited for over three hours for Jonathan to appear. However, the former president did not show up, prompting the demonstrators to deliver a prepared statement to the media. Ohikere emphasized that during six months of nationwide consultations, the demand for Jonathan’s return had been “loud and unmistakable.” He described Jonathan as the only figure capable of uniting Nigerians and reversing the country’s current crisis.
Despite the absence of Jonathan, the crowd remained peaceful and determined. They dispersed before the former president arrived at his residence around 1 p.m., with no official interaction taking place. Sources close to Jonathan’s office confirmed that the visit was not pre-arranged, leading to confusion among his aides. The coalition, however, vowed to return as many times as necessary until they receive a response from the former president.
This demonstration is part of a broader movement gaining momentum across Nigeria and the diaspora. Over the past year, several groups have publicly called on Jonathan to re-enter politics. The Goodluck Nigeria Movement (GNM) has launched nationwide mobilization efforts to persuade him to run. The Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation, led by a former Buhari Youth Organisation president, has also urged him to step forward as a unifying leader. The New Nigeria Integrity Movement (NNIM) – Middle Belt Zone, in March 2026, highlighted Jonathan’s leadership qualities as vital for national stability. Additionally, the diaspora-led Goodluckans Movement 2027, through spokesperson Chidinma Unigwe, has formally mandated Jonathan to contest, citing his democratic record and governance experience.
As of now, Jonathan has not issued any official statement, and his spokesperson has remained silent on the matter. The former president is widely known for his quote, “My ambition is not worth any blood,” which has long been interpreted as a sign of his reluctance to return to active politics. Nevertheless, the growing public appeal suggests a deep yearning for his leadership among many Nigerians. The coalition’s demonstration underscores the increasing pressure on Jonathan to reconsider his political future, as the nation faces mounting challenges and calls for change grow louder.
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