The President of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and former leader of the Buhari Youth Organisation, Dr. Jibril Mustapha, on Sunday, appealed to former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. In a statement issued in Lagos, Mustapha urged Jonathan to respond positively to the growing calls for him to return to the presidency. “As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation believes that now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and support a candidate who can genuinely represent the interests of all Nigerians. “We urge former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider this call and to step forward as a candidate who can unite our country and lead us towards a brighter future. “This appeal comes in light of the numerous challenges currently facing Nigeria, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and rampant banditry,” Mustapha said. According to him, there is an urgent need for a leader who embodies integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to national unity. Mustapha added, “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 said that the former Nigerian leader, during his tenure, demonstrated a commitment to democratic values and governance that prioritised the welfare of all citizens. According to him, the group believes Jonathan has the vision and experience necessary to lead Nigeria. “His leadership style is one that fosters inclusivity and economic advancement, which is exactly what our nation needs at this critical juncture. “Under Jonathan’s leadership, we can work towards restoring Nigeria’s lost glory on the international stage and within our borders.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) is a youth-driven support group for former President Muhammadu Buhari. Jonathan, who sought a second term in 2015, was defeated by Buhari in that year’s presidential election. NAN also recalls that, amid debates over Jonathan’s eligibility to run again—having previously taken the oath of office twice—the Federal High Court in Bayelsa ruled in 2022 that he remains qualified to contest future presidential elections. In his ruling, Justice Dashen stated that Jonathan’s rights could not be curtailed by any retroactive law. The judge explained that the 2007 general election had produced the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, not Jonathan, and emphasized that Section 137 could not be applied retroactively to disqualify him. Dashen further clarified that no presidential election was conducted in 2010, and Jonathan’s swearing-in that year did not amount to being elected president at that time.