Northern Group Commends Jonathan For Accepting To Contest 2027 Presidential Elections

Former one-term Nigerian president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has been commended for yielding to pressure to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The commendation followed an emergency strategic meeting of the Confluence of Savannah Peoples Foundation, held on 10 May 2026, during which members reviewed Nigeria’s current socio-economic and security situation.

In a statement issued by its Executive Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, the foundation stated that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, grappling with rising insecurity, increasing unemployment, and economic instability.

It emphasised the urgent need for experienced leadership capable of fostering both domestic and international partnerships to deliver sustainable solutions.

According to the Chairman, “the Foundation believes that Goodluck Jonathan represents a constitutional assurance of a one-term Southern President in 2027 as an affirmation of the rotation of power to Northern Nigeria by 2031”.

In light of these concerns, they praised Jonathan for accepting to return to leadership for a constitutionally backed single term, arguing that such leadership could help stabilise governance, restore public confidence, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote national unity.

They argued that his good leadership could help stabilise the country, restore confidence in governance, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote national unity, with a reputation for considering the poor, the weak, and the defenceless, having once said that:

“In the comfort of our offices, let us not forget that the majority of our people live below the poverty line. It is the supreme task of this generation to give hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and protection to the defenceless.”

The political field is ripe for harvest, and an alliance of our members across various political parties will support Jonathan in the PDP, where he has always been a faithful member.

The Foundation highlighted his commitment to democratic values, citing his concession in the 2015 Nigerian presidential election, as well as his widely acknowledged statement:

“My political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. Nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.”

According to the group, this continues to stand as a defining example of leadership rooted in peace, responsibility, and respect for human life.

The statement also expressed concern over the growing rate of youth unemployment, warning that it heightens vulnerability to crime, drug abuse, and violent extremism. It noted that millions of Nigerians still face economic hardship, with limited access to basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare.

While acknowledging recent reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, the Foundation observed that the benefits have yet to be felt by ordinary citizens. It further raised concerns about the rising national debt and continued reliance on foreign borrowing.

The group criticised persistent structural challenges—such as insecurity, unreliable electricity supply, high production costs, and widespread business closures—which continue to erode living standards nationwide.

It also decried the non-payment of contractors who have executed government projects, noting that in some instances payments have been delayed for over a decade, thereby undermining business confidence and trust in government.

The group further noted Jonathan’s continued global engagement in diplomacy and peacebuilding since leaving office, describing this as a strategic advantage in addressing Nigeria’s current challenges. As a global model of true democratic practices, he says:

“The beauty of democracy is that its practice is never final and always has room for improvement, no matter how old a democratic society may be.”

Additionally, the Foundation called on international partners to support efforts aimed at strengthening democratic governance and ensuring stability in Nigeria.

Reaffirming the importance of humility and service in leadership, the Foundation expressed confidence that Jonathan possesses the credibility, global networks, and diplomatic goodwill necessary to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs.

Reinforcing this perspective, they cited another of Jonathan’s statements: “I don’t need to be a lion; I don’t need to operate like the Pharaoh of Egypt; I don’t need to be an army general, but I can change this country without those traits.

“Our founding fathers did not dream of a country where neighbours and friends would exchange bullets in place of handshakes.”

The statement concluded by underscoring the urgent need for responsible and visionary leadership to guide Nigeria toward peace, stability, and long-term prosperity.