Former presidential hopeful Mathias Tsado has called on close associates of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to persuade him to return to the race ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Tsado said he believes Jonathan has the leadership qualities needed to steer the country back on track.
While Jonathan has not declared any interest, Tsado admitted he is hopeful the former president will reconsider.
“I am praying for the day President Goodluck Jonathan will declare and say, ‘I want to run,’” he said. “Those who have access to him should encourage him. In 2023 there were only rumors, but this time, Nigerians truly need him.”
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s leader from 2010 to 2015, made history in 2015 by conceding defeat to Muhammadu Buhari—becoming the first incumbent to lose an election since the country’s return to democracy in 1999.
For Tsado, that moment of concession showed Jonathan’s statesmanship and lack of desperation for power.
“He once said his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. That humility made him lose the election but win the hearts of the people,” Tsado noted.
2027: Goodluck Jonathan’s associates should tell him, “Please, come and run, sir. The Nigerian people need you” – ex-presidential aspirant Mathias Tsado, on calls for the return of the ex-president to run in the next election.#SunriseDaily pic.twitter.com/91tWAhRUoG
— Channels Television (@channelstv) August 19, 2025
He further argued that Jonathan now occupies a rare position in Nigerian politics—respected across divides and admired for his calm approach to leadership.
“The place he holds today is one that many politicians only wish they could reach,” he added.
