Leader of the GEJ 2015 Project, Alaboso Joejim, has reacted to the rumoured presidential declaration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2023 general elections.
There have been repeated calls from a wide spectrum of Nigerians and some stalwarts of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC for the former president to declare and run for the 2023 presidency.
Amidst the multitude of calls, the former president has maintained his cool and remained silent. But last week, a group of protesters stormed his Abuja office, calling on him to declare and rescue the country from its present woeful state.
For the first time, the former president told the protesters that he cannot tell them whether he would contest or not but they should watch developments and that processes were ongoing. That statement was enough indication that the former president was still interested in the race.
Arising from the former president’s response to the protesters, Joejim said he was pleased that Jonathan had spoken concerning the upcoming election. However, he said he is patiently waiting for the time he will formally announce his intention to contest the election.
On the statement credited to Reno Omokri where he said he would stay off politics if the former president declares to contest the election, he said Omokri’s assertion is seen as a mere rumour at the moment.
He said: “We are waiting for the former president to declare his intention to run as a candidate in the upcoming election, then whichever party he chooses to run as the flag bearer he will communicate his reason to us.”
Joejim, who said Jonathan did well in his days as president of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, said everything that happened in the present administration has vindicated Jonathan.
He said: “Jonathan is our leader. He is a good man. He is all for our good. Everything that transpired in this present administration has vindicated him. I have no doubt the international community will support him. As he comes in, he should bring the youths to succeed.
“When he eventually emerges, he should bring the youths on board. Let’s forget about the old people who betrayed him. He has good intention for the country. I have no doubt he will bring a welcome development that will turn the country around. The present narrative definitely will change.
“How many of those that are contesting have what it takes to grow Nigeria? Jonathan made our economy number one in Africa. He started the TSA. He is not a power hungry individual. He is a focused individual.
“Let’s forget party under which he contests, that is immaterial. For others that are coming, the youths should collect their money and shock them. It is their money.
“There is so much discontent in the present society. The corruption is so endemic in the system. We need radical youths that can propel development and change the system for good.
“We need the youths now. The future of the present Nigerian youth is linked to whatever they do in the 2023 general elections. The power is in your hands. Don’t let anybody use you as thugs.”
