2023 poll: Jonathan mulls 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 Maitama foundation office to call for his return to power on Friday.

“Yes you are calling me to come and declare for the next election,” Jonathan said. “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 show that the youths are interested in politics. 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 that you want.

“And I believe collectively we would work together. I thank all of you.”

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

It is unknown whether Jonathan will declare for the exalted seat on the platform of the ruling All progressive congress (APC) or the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

He, however, expressed gratitude to the youths groups and women for calling over 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 at the helm, he enjoined the youths to actively participate in the 2023 poll.

The group led by Comrade Mayor Samuel, who spoke on behalf of the youths, argued that the return of Jonathan remains the panacea to the multifaceted challenges in the country.

The youths carried various placards with inscriptions like “Run, Goodluck Run”, “Goodluck Jonathan, you are wasting your time, declare now” “Goodluck we want you back”, “Jonathan Nigeria wants you to run.”