Nigeria youths urge Jonathan to run as opposition coalition talks gather pace

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Nigeria youths urge Jonathan to run as opposition coalition talks gather pace

Thousands of youths and civil society groups gathered in Abuja to call on former president Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 election, signalling renewed political pressure ahead of the next cycle.

The demonstrators, under a pro-Jonathan coalition, marched to his office carrying placards and chanting messages urging him to return to power.

Their presence spilled into major roads, briefly disrupting movement in parts of the capital.

Led by Tom Ohikere, the group said the appeal followed months of nationwide consultations, arguing that Jonathan remains a unifying figure capable of addressing the country’s challenges.

The former president, however, did not appear before the crowd, and no official response had been issued at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, political developments continued behind the scenes as key opposition figures met at the Abuja residence of former Senate President David Mark.

The closed-door meeting is widely seen as part of efforts to build a broader alliance ahead of 2027.

Among those in attendance were Atiku Abubakar, Seyi Makinde, Abubakar Malami, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, Peter Obi, and Babangida Aliyu.

The meeting, involving figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), has intensified speculation about a possible coalition as opposition groups strategise for the next general election.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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