Dr. Jibril Mustapha, President of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and former leader of the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), has called on ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to queue for the 2027 presidential race.
In a statement issued on Sunday in the Centre of Excellence (Lagos), Mustapha appealed to Jonathan to answer the growing calls for his return, citing the need for experienced leadership capable of steering Nigeria through its present challenges.
“As the country moves towards the 2027 elections, it is important for all concerned groups to rally behind a candidate who can genuinely serve the interests of every Nigerian”
“We call on former President Goodluck Jonathan to step forward once again, to foster unity and lead Nigeria into a more prosperous era” Mustapha Said.
He pointed to the economic difficulties, insecurity, unemployment, and widespread banditry as urgent issues that demand seasoned and inclusive leadership.
Mustapha stressed that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture and requires a leader capable of bridging divisions across ethnic, religious, and regional lines. He noted that during Jonathan’s time in office, he upheld democratic principles and prioritized the welfare of citizens, qualities the country sorely needed at this time.
“Our nation faces mounting obstacles that threaten stability. We need a leader who can bring together Nigerians from all walks of life,” he added.
He further stated that Jonathan’s previous leadership fostered national cohesion and economic growth, setting a foundation that could be built upon if he returned to office.
“With his depth of experience and vision, former President Jonathan can help restore Nigeria’s standing, both globally and domestically,” Mustapha concluded.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BYO was a youth-driven body that supported the candidacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Jonathan, who sought re-election in 2015, lost to Buhari and debates about his eligibility to run again resurfaced afterward. In 2022, the Federal High Court in Bayelsa ruled in Jonathan’s favor, affirming his right to contest future elections.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Isa Hamma Dashen held that Jonathan’s assumption of office in 2010 did not equate to an election, as he completed the term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The judge ruled that Section 137 of the Constitution could not be applied retroactively to bar him from running.
NAN
