Dr. Jibril Mustapha, President of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and former leader of the Buhari Youth Organisation, has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, Mustapha said Jonathan should respond to the growing appeals urging him to re-enter the presidential race.
“As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation believes that now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and support a candidate who can genuinely represent the interests of all Nigerians.”
“We urge former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider this call and to step forward as a candidate who can unite our country and lead us towards a brighter future,” he stated.
Highlighting the challenges facing Nigeria, including economic struggles, insecurity, unemployment, and widespread banditry, Mustapha stressed the need for a leader with proven integrity and a commitment to national unity.
“Nigeria is at a crossroads. We are grappling with significant issues that threaten our stability and progress.”
“We need a leader who can bring all Nigerians together, regardless of their background,” he added.
Mustapha praised Jonathan’s previous tenure, saying he demonstrated strong democratic principles and consistently prioritized the welfare of citizens.
The group believes that Jonathan possesses the vision and leadership experience necessary to steer the country towards recovery.
“His leadership style is one that fosters inclusivity and economic advancement, which is exactly what our nation needs at this critical juncture.”
“Under Jonathan’s leadership, we can work towards restoring Nigeria’s lost glory on the international stage and within our borders,” Mustapha emphasized.
Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) was originally a youth-driven support group for former President Muhammadu Buhari.
DAILY GAZETTE recall that Jonathan had previously lost his re-election bid to Buhari in 2015.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility to run again was settled in 2022 when the Federal High Court in Bayelsa ruled in his favor.
Justice Dashen, who presided over the case, determined that Jonathan remained eligible to contest future presidential elections.
The judge explained that Jonathan’s assumption of office in 2010 followed the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, and that the constitutional provision limiting a president’s terms could not be retroactively applied to disqualify him.
Dashen further clarified that since no presidential election was conducted in 2010, Jonathan’s 2010 swearing-in could not be counted against him in terms of constitutional term limits.
