Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he is yet to decide whether or not he would contest for the post of President during the 2023 presidential election.
He said this on Friday in Abuja when his committee of friends and some youths from across the country visited him at his Foundation office in Maitama, Abuja.
Jonathan said the visits, especially by the youth, particularly showed that they were clearly interested in the political affairs of the country.
“As youths, we must get involved in the country’s political process and luckily the law of `Not too Young to Run’ bill has made it clear that youths can contest almost every position in government.
“We will continue to encourage youths to get involved in the country’s political process.
Jonathan expressed optimism that with youth involvement in politics, the enthronement of good government that would effectively address the country’s current challenges was possible.
He, however, said that though some of the country’s present challenges went way back but could be dealt with from a united front.
On whether he would declare for the 2023 presidential election, Jonathan said the political process was ongoing.
“Yes, you are calling me to come and declare for the 2023 presidency, yes I can’t tell you am declaring, the political process is ongoing, just watch out.
“But the key role you must play is to pray that Nigeria gets a president that will carry the young people along and work very hard to see that some of the country’s problems raised are dealt with.
“I believe that collectively, we can work together,’’ he said.
Mr Mayor Samuel, leader of Youth Compatriots of Nigeria, while speaking with newsmen at the event, said youths were prepared to support Jonathan to ensure that he emerged the country’s next president in 2023.
He decried the spate of insecurity in parts of the country and the dwindling economy, saying there was the need to address the situation.
According to him, the Nigeria Peoples Party is ready to give Jonathan its presidential ticket to contest the 2023 presidential election.
He said the party though not registered yet, belonged to the downtrodden, adding that any party that gave its presidential ticket to Jonathan would be supported by all Nigerians.
“The secret to good governance is what Nigeria requires at the moment, Jonathan had been tested and proven and we are ready to follow him,’’ he said.