50% Of You Don’t Even Have PVCs” — Goodluck Jonathan Responds To Youths Urging Him To Contest Elections

According to Ireporter Online, former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerian youths to take active part in the electoral process, stressing that democratic participation goes beyond online activism and public demands for political figures to contest elections.

Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday when a group of youths visited his residence, urging him to join the 2027 presidential race. In his response, he expressed concern over low voter participation, noting that a significant number of young people involved in political conversations are not registered voters.

He stated that while citizens are free to express political preferences, meaningful change requires civic responsibility, adding that voter apathy remains a serious challenge in the country. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the growing disinterest in elections, warning that democracy cannot thrive without active participation.

Jonathan was quoted as saying that many of those calling for his return to politics may not even possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing the importance of registration and engagement in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear a suit on Friday seeking to bar Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election. The case, filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, is asking the court to determine whether the former president is constitutionally eligible to run again.

The plaintiff, who listed Jonathan, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants, is urging the court to declare that the former president has exhausted the constitutional limit of two terms, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

In supporting documents, the plaintiff argued that Jonathan, having first assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later served a full term after the 2011 election, is no longer eligible to contest for the presidency.

He further requested the court to restrain political parties from presenting Jonathan as a candidate and to prevent INEC from accepting or publishing his name for the 2027 election.

The suit, filed in the interest of constitutional order and public accountability, is expected to be determined in the coming proceedings.