Dare Babalola
A Middle Belt-based political advocacy group has formally called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to reconsider his stance on politics and throw his hat into the ring for the 2027 presidential election.
The group under the aegis of the New Nigeria Integrity Movement (NMIM), Middle Belt Zone, cited Nigeria’s pressing challenges and the imperative for seasoned leadership, making a case for Jonathan’s potential candidacy.
The call was made during a strategic meeting where members assessed the present state of the nation.
The group noted that Nigeria is currently navigating a tumultuous landscape, characterised by escalating insecurity, pervasive poverty, and mounting economic hardship affecting citizens.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the organisation appealed to the former president to once again offer his leadership to the country.
According to the group, Nigeria needs steady and credible leadership capable of restoring public confidence and addressing the social and economic struggles affecting millions of people.
The statement was jointly signed by Hon. Pastor Peter Hassan, the National Leader of the movement, and Dr. Blessing Eliagu, the group’s Secretary.
While addressing journalists after the meeting, the group expressed concern over the growing hardship being experienced by many households across the country.
According to the statement, “Nigeria is currently facing a critical moment marked by widespread poverty, hunger, and persistent insecurity across several communities, particularly in the Middle Belt region.”
Members of the group said the situation has worsened in recent years, with many families struggling to meet their daily needs.
The communiqué added, “Across the nation, millions of Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented economic hardship.
“Poverty has deepened, hunger has become widespread, and many families now struggle daily to secure basic meals.”
The organisation noted that while government investment in infrastructure remains important for national development, such projects do not immediately resolve the urgent problem of hunger and declining living standards faced by ordinary citizens.
NMIM maintained that Jonathan possesses the experience and temperament needed to stabilise the country and restore confidence in public leadership.
“We believe that former President Jonathan represents calm, experienced, and credible leadership capable of restoring hope, rebuilding trust in governance, and initiating policies that directly address the economic suffering of citizens,” the communiqué stated.
The group also appealed to democratic institutions and international partners to support efforts aimed at strengthening democratic governance and stability in Nigeria.
According to the movement, Jonathan remains one of the country’s most respected statesmen whose time in office reflected commitment to democratic values and national unity.
“His leadership style reflected humility, respect for the rule of law, and dedication to democratic values,” the statement added.
The organisation further argued that his possible return could strengthen the long-standing principle of power rotation in Nigeria, which it described as vital for maintaining political balance and stability among the country’s regions.
NMIM stressed that its call was not driven by partisan politics but by growing concern over the welfare of Nigerians and the need for urgent national recovery.
“Nigeria requires a national reset – one that focuses on human welfare, economic recovery, and national cohesion. Silence in the face of the current suffering is not an option,” the group said.
The group also urged citizens to continue advocating peacefully for accountable leadership and policies that place the wellbeing of Nigerians at the centre of governance.
“Nigeria deserves better. The time to act is now,” the communiqué further stated.
