The President of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and former President of the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), Dr. Jibril Mustapha, on Sunday called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement released in Lagos, Mustapha appealed to Jonathan to heed the growing calls for him to return to office.
“As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation believes that now is the time for all stakeholders to unite behind a candidate who can genuinely represent the interests of all Nigerians,” he said.
Mustapha stressed that Nigeria currently faces numerous challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and rampant banditry, and needs a leader who embodies integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to national unity.
“Nigeria is at a crossroads. We are grappling with significant issues that threaten our stability and progress. We need a leader who can bring all Nigerians together, regardless of their background,” he added.
Mustapha praised Jonathan’s previous tenure, highlighting his commitment to democratic values and governance that prioritised the welfare of all citizens. He expressed confidence that Jonathan’s vision and leadership style, which promote inclusivity and economic advancement, are what Nigeria needs at this critical time.
“Under Jonathan’s leadership, we can work towards restoring Nigeria’s lost glory both internationally and domestically,” Mustapha noted.
It was reports that BYO is a youth-based support group for former President Muhammadu Buhari. Jonathan lost his re-election bid to Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.
We also recalls that amid debates over Jonathan’s eligibility to contest again, the Federal High Court in Bayelsa ruled in 2022 that he remains qualified. Justice Dashen, who delivered the ruling, stated that Jonathan’s rights could not be curtailed by any retroactive law.
The judge clarified that the 2007 election produced the late Umaru Yar’Adua as president, not Jonathan, and emphasized that Section 137 could not retroactively prevent him from running for the presidency, noting there was no presidential election in 2010 and Jonathan could not be deemed sworn into office that year.
