A coalition of civil society groups and youth organisations has formally called on former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to enter the 2027 presidential race, declaring him the most capable leader to pull Nigeria back from its current economic and security crisis.

The Coalition for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, led by its National President, Dr Tom Ohikere, made the appeal during a rally held at the former president’s office in Abuja, with Ohikere stating that the move followed an intensive six-month nationwide consultation process.

“The message is short, direct and simple. Sir, Nigerians have asked us to plead with you to come to the rescue of our nation by declaring interest to contest for the presidency in 2027. Everywhere that we have visited in the course of our nationwide consultations, the clamour for your return to power to rescue our country has been loud and unmistakable,” Ohikere said.

Thousands of supporters overflowed from Taraba Close near Tanganyika Street, spreading through Farmers Market to IBB Way in Abuja, disrupting early morning traffic as they chanted and danced to popular Nigerian songs. Placards bearing messages such as “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!” dotted the crowd, underscoring the sense of urgency the group sought to project.

Ohikere argued that their request was not merely a political suggestion but a direct mandate from millions of Nigerians who were prepared and determined to mobilise for Jonathan’s return, pointing to the former president’s governance record as proof of his capability.

“He has ruled this country for four good years, and his achievements are still there for us to see. We know the exchange rate of the Naira then. We know the price of a bag of rice. We know how much all these things are going for in the market now,” he said.

A separate support group echoed similar sentiments, with its spokesperson stressing that the call for Jonathan’s return was driven not by sentiment but by a conviction rooted in leadership experience and past performance. “Our nation stands at a critical juncture, confronted by serious challenges that demand experienced leadership, national unity, economic revitalisation, and restored global confidence,” the group said.

Jonathan reportedly arrived at his residence around 1pm, after the demonstrators had already departed. Sources close to the former president said he and his aides had no prior knowledge of the rally.

The coalition vowed to return as many times as necessary until they receive a response from the former leader.

Several other groups have publicly called on Jonathan to reconsider a return to active politics over the past twelve months, including the Goodluck Nigeria Movement, the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation, the New Nigeria Integrity Movement representing the Middle Belt Zone, and the diaspora-based Goodluckans Movement 2027.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has not publicly commented on the growing calls for his return. The question of which platform he might contest on also remains open, with Ohikere saying the former president would make that declaration himself in due course.