The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election under its banner, emphasizing the party’s longstanding ties to his political rise.
PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, expressed regret at the possibility of Jonathan choosing another party, stressing that the PDP had been anticipating his return for a second term. He reminded Nigerians of the party’s key role in shaping Nigeria’s leadership, citing prominent figures like El-Rufai, Okonjo-Iweala, Dora Akunyili, and others as products of the PDP.
Abdullahi further called on Jonathan to complete his political journey within the PDP, warning against the “hypocrisy” of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He advised Jonathan to be cautious of praise from those who once criticized him.
The appearance of Jonathan’s presidential campaign posters in Kano, organized by the ‘Team New Nigeria’ movement, sparked speculation about his potential bid. Political figures from northern Nigeria are reportedly pushing for his entry into the race, believing he’s eligible for another term.
Meanwhile, PDP insiders predict that the future of the party will be decided at its upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for February 2025. With the party facing internal strife, including calls for the resignation of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, this meeting is expected to address crucial issues for the party’s future.
APC Responds: “10 Jonathans Can’t Defeat Tinubu”
Reacting to the PDP’s call, the APC dismissed the notion of Jonathan posing a threat in 2027. Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Director of Publicity, reminded that the APC defeated Jonathan in 2015 and would do so again, claiming that even 10 Jonathans could not defeat President Tinubu. Ibrahim emphasized that the APC’s victory was not due to individual personalities but the strength of the party, and he downplayed discussions of the 2027 election, stating that it was too early to be focusing on the race.
In the 2015 election, Jonathan, the sitting president, lost to APC’s Muhammadu Buhari, with Buhari securing 15.4 million votes to Jonathan’s 12.8 million.
