A political advocacy group known as Bring Back Our Goodluck has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to return to the political stage by contesting the 2027 presidential election. During a press briefing held on Sunday in Kano at the Aminu Kano Centre for Democracy, Research and Training (Mambayya House), the group argued that Nigeria needs Jonathan’s leadership to reverse the country’s current challenges.
The group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Grema Kyari, described Jonathan as the most viable option to lead Nigeria out of what he termed a period marked by widespread insecurity, economic hardship, and national disunity under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government. According to Kyari, Nigerians were misinformed in 2015, which led to the removal of Jonathan’s administration and the rise of a government that, in his view, failed to deliver on its promises.
Citing global precedents such as the political comebacks of Donald Trump in the United States and John Mahama in Ghana, Kyari stressed that Jonathan’s return is both possible and essential.
“We were deceived in 2015 by leaders of the APC, including the late Muhammadu Buhari, Bola Tinubu, Yemi Osinbajo, and Bisi Akande. They presented a false vision for Nigeria. Instead of progress, we’ve witnessed worsening poverty, food insecurity, and economic collapse,” he said.
Kyari praised the Jonathan era as Nigeria’s last period of relative economic stability, highlighting achievements such as consistent food prices, fuel affordability, and youth empowerment programmes like YouWin! and SURE-P. He drew a sharp contrast with the present situation, pointing to skyrocketing prices and increased hunger.
“During Jonathan’s administration, a bag of rice was sold for about ₦7,800. Today, that same bag costs between ₦80,000 and ₦100,000. Millions of Nigerians can barely afford to eat,” he added.
Kyari also emphasized Jonathan’s inclusive leadership style, noting his record of appointing individuals from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, which, according to him, positions the former president as the right leader to unite the country.
In addition to urging Jonathan to run, the group appealed to other key opposition figures—such as Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai—to set aside personal ambitions and support Jonathan as a consensus candidate in the upcoming election.
Dr. Kyari framed the 2027 election not just as a political event, but as a national “rescue operation,” claiming democracy is being undermined under the current administration.
The group’s campaign, which began in the Northeast, has now shifted to the Northwest—described by Kyari as a crucial region for both commerce and political influence in Northern Nigeria.
He concluded the briefing with a passionate appeal to Jonathan:
“In 2015, you gave up power for peace. In 2027, Nigeria needs you to choose the people again. Let us end the suffering and bring back the hope—let us bring back our Goodluck.”