2027: PDP Backs Jonathan’s Candidacy as APC Pledges Another Defeat

Ahead of the 2027 elections, PDP is rallying behind former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential candidacy, while APC remains confident of defeating him again.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to contemplate running for the presidency in the 2027 election as a candidate under their platform.

In an interview, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, voiced his disappointment over Jonathan potentially running with a different political party.

He highlighted that the former president is still a significant figure in the party’s history and encouraged him to come back and continue his political journey with the PDP.

Abdullahi stated, “We have made similar remarks about Jonathan and our governors. Even the FCT minister is arguably excelling in his position, as he comes from the PDP. Individuals like El-Rufai, Okonjo-Iweala, Dora Akunyili, Obi Ezekwesili, Akinwunmi Adesina, and Amina Mohammed represent the pride of this nation—and they all hail from the PDP.”

Abdullahi also advised Jonathan to be wary of those who previously criticized him harshly but now laud him, labeling this behavior as hypocritical. He emphasized the importance for Jonathan to recall how these same individuals once mocked and belittled him. “He should not let their newfound admiration influence him, considering they are suddenly hailing him as a savior,” he remarked, adding that falling for such insincere gestures would be regrettable.

The call emerges amid rumors of Jonathan possibly re-entering politics, sparked by campaign posters with his image that have appeared on major streets in Kano. These posters, featuring slogans like “Team New Nigeria 2027; The Goodluck Nigeria Needs,” were allegedly distributed by a political group known as “Team New Nigeria.”

This development is reminiscent of the period leading up to the 2023 elections when Jonathan’s name surfaced in connection with a nomination from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he eventually distanced himself from.

READ ALSO: Goodluck Jonathan’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Posters Flood Kano

Meanwhile, conversations within the PDP indicate that its forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, slated for February 2025, might be crucial for the party’s future.

A member of the NEC, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the importance of the meeting by stating, “The scheduled February NEC gathering will determine the party’s future irrespective of whether it takes place.”

The PDP has encountered internal challenges, such as criticism directed at Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and demands for his resignation. During its 98th NEC meeting earlier this year, the party decided to establish a reconciliation and disciplinary committee and organize ward and state congresses.

As the NEC meeting draws near, Diran Odeyemi, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, hinted that political maneuvering within the party might be causing delays in holding it. “If removing Damagum is indeed their objective,” he remarked, “he would undoubtedly do everything possible to block the meeting.”

In response to the PDP’s invitation to Jonathan, the APC brushed off any worries about his possible candidacy. Bala Ibrahim, National Director of Publicity for the party, remarked that defeating him now would be effortless since “the APC defeated him when he was in power.”

Ibrahim emphasized that the party is committed to fulfilling its mandate instead of speculating about 2027. He concluded, “Even if you had 10 former President Jonathans, they could not defeat the APC at this moment.”