Youths and CSOs Storm Goodluck Jonathan's Office, Urge 2027 Presidential Run
In a dramatic display of political activism, thousands of youths and members of civil society organizations (CSOs) stormed the Abuja office of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan yesterday morning. The protesters, under the banner of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan and Northern Youths, brandished placards and banners with messages urging Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The massive crowd overflowed from Taraba Close near Tanganyika Street, spreading through Farmers Market to IBB Way in Abuja, causing significant disruptions to morning traffic. Chanting and dancing to popular Nigerian songs, they held placards with slogans such as "GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!", "GEJ, Nigerian youths don break the medicine wey dem do you", and "GEJ, if you no run, we quench."
Protesters Await Jonathan's Response
Led by Dr. Tom Ohikere, the national president of the group and a former commissioner for information in Kogi State, the protesters waited for over three hours to meet the former president. However, Jonathan did not show up as expected. In his absence, Ohikere read a prepared speech to the media, stating that during their six-month nationwide consultation, the clamor for Jonathan's return to power to rescue the country has been loud and unmistakable.
Ohikere emphasized that Jonathan remains the only unifying force capable of averting a looming catastrophe in Nigeria. The protesters, who described themselves as 'visitors', dispersed before Jonathan arrived at his office at 1:00 p.m. As of the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued by Jonathan regarding the protest or the calls for his candidacy.
Opposition Leaders Hold Crucial Closed-Door Meeting
Amid rising political tension, leaders of the opposition converged last night at the Abuja residence of former Senate President David Mark for a high-level closed-door meeting. Observers describe this as a decisive step towards forging a broad-based political coalition ahead of future electoral contests.
The meeting brought together key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling a potential strategic alliance between the two parties. Attendees included:
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde
- Prominent PDP stakeholders under Tanimu Turaki
- Former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami
- Former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, Peter Obi, and Babangida Aliyu
The convergence of influential political actors across party lines has heightened speculation that a coalition arrangement between the PDP and ADC may be imminent. The choice of Mark's residence as the venue underscores his continuing role as a rallying figure within opposition politics, particularly as realignments and strategic partnerships gain momentum.
This dual development highlights the intensifying political landscape in Nigeria, with grassroots movements pushing for Jonathan's return and opposition forces exploring alliances to strengthen their position ahead of the 2027 elections.
