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…Former president says voter turnout worse than in 14 African and Asian nations
…breaks silence on 2027, says “I will consult before deciding”
Daud Olatunji
Former President Goodluck Jonathan raised the alarm over Nigeria’s persistent low voter turnout, warning that the country ranks among the worst globally in voter participation based on his comparative observations across Africa and Asia.
Jonathan, who has participated in several international election observation missions under the aegis of bodies including the African Union, COMESA, IGAD and the Commonwealth since leaving office in 2015, said Nigeria’s voter apathy is more severe than what he has witnessed in at least 14 African countries and several Southeast Asian democracies.
He spoke on Thursday in Abuja while receiving groups of youths and political supporters urging him to return to the 2027 presidential race.
The former president, however, took the opportunity to address growing political pressure over his alleged interest in running, insisting that he would not make any hasty decisions.
“The presidential race is not a computer game. I have listened to you and will consult you widely,” he said.
Jonathan added that any decision on 2027 will follow extensive consultation, stressing that the leadership’s ambition must be approached with caution and responsibility.
“I can’t just wake up and declare myself president. I will consult and, if necessary, I will act accordingly,” he said.
Beyond the 2027 political debate, the former president expressed deep concern over what he described as Nigeria’s alarming democratic disengagement, noting that voter turnout in the country remains consistently low despite its large electorate.
“I have observed elections in many African countries and also in Southeast Asia. Nigeria has very low turnout in every election cycle,” he said.
He warned that Nigeria’s level of voter apathy places it at a disadvantage in global democratic comparisons, urging urgent corrective action.
“We have the highest level of voter apathy. It seems like people aren’t even interested in their elections. I’ve never been in a country with such low numbers as what we have here,” he added, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate and address this trend.
Jonathan stressed that weak electoral participation undermines democratic legitimacy and national development, warning that credible elections remain the foundation of political stability.
He also called on young Nigerians to take greater responsibility in shaping the future of the country by actively participating in elections.
“If I ask how many of you have voter ID, probably about half don’t. Yet you are asking me to participate. You have to participate in the process,” he said.
Jonathan urged young Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and fully engage in the electoral process, adding that civic responsibility is key to strengthening democracy.
He further warned that unless voter apathy is addressed through civic education, institutional confidence building and youth mobilization, Nigeria risks further democratic decline ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former president also expressed concern about Nigeria’s international image, linking it in part to governance and leadership challenges that have occurred over the years, and reiterated the need for peaceful and credible elections to encourage broader citizen participation.
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