ABUJA: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has extended an invitation to former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the 2027 presidential election on its platform. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, emphasized that it would be disappointing if Jonathan chose another party for his presidential bid.
He underscored that the PDP had been eagerly awaiting Jonathan’s return for a second term, pointing out that the party had played a significant role in his political ascent.
Abdullahi highlighted the party’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s leadership, mentioning influential figures such as former FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai, former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Information Minister Dora Akunyili, former Education Minister Obi Ezekwesili, and former Central Bank Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, among others. He urged Jonathan to heed the call to “finish what he started” within the PDP and cautioned him against the perceived hypocrisy of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Referring to the recent praise Jonathan had received from certain individuals and groups, Abdullahi warned that the former president should not be swayed by the sudden affection from those who had previously criticized him. These same people who once derided him are now calling him the messiah. He must be cautious not to fall for their sudden affection, Abdullahi remarked.
The speculation about Jonathan’s potential bid for the 2027 election gained momentum when his campaign posters were spotted across Kano. The posters, bearing slogans like Team New Nigeria 2027; The Goodluck Nigeria Needs—Dr Goodluck Jonathan, were part of an initiative by a political movement called ‘Team New Nigeria.
This development stirred discussions on Jonathan’s political future, similar to a similar move by his supporters before the 2023 elections, when they sought to nominate him under the APC. However, Jonathan distanced himself from this move at that time.
There are also reports indicating that political figures from northern Nigeria have begun pushing for Jonathan to re-enter the presidential race, arguing that he is eligible to serve another term after his presidency from 2011 to 2015.
Meanwhile, within the PDP, the party’s future direction hinges on its upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for February 2025. A member of the NEC, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the meeting would be crucial for addressing the party’s challenges and determining its future trajectory.
Since Umar Damagum became the acting National Chairman following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, he has faced growing criticism from party leaders. Calls for his resignation have intensified amid the ongoing turmoil. A critical NEC meeting, originally scheduled for August 2024 and postponed multiple times, is now expected to occur by February 2025. According to sources, the NEC meeting will be pivotal in resolving the party’s pressing concerns and shaping its future.
However, former PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi has suggested that Damagum is reluctant to vacate his position and may be preventing the timely convening of the NEC meeting. Odeyemi warned that rushing the meeting could lead to further divisions and crises within the party. He also emphasized that the PDP must manage its internal challenges effectively to prove its readiness to govern the country.
Read also:
- PDP Rejects Akume’s Remarks, Declares 2027 Election a ‘Rescue Mission’ for Nigeria
- ACF Criticise Tinubu Policies, Pledges Support for Northern Candidates in 2027 Elections
- North Slam New Tax Bill: Warn of Dire Economic Consequences
- 2027 elections: Atiku offers solutions to the PDP crises
As the party’s leadership crisis continues, the February NEC meeting will be crucial in determining the PDP’s future, with decisions made during this meeting likely to have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.
In response to the PDP’s invitation for Jonathan to run in 2027, the APC downplayed the idea, claiming that Jonathan’s potential candidacy would not pose a threat. Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Director of Publicity, stated that the APC had defeated Jonathan in 2015 when he was in power, and it would do so again if he contested in 2027.
Ibrahim also noted that the APC is not concerned about the speculation, claiming it is premature to discuss the 2027 election while President Tinubu’s administration is still in its early stages. He concluded, Even if you bring 10 Goodluck Jonathans, the APC will still defeat them, emphasizing the party’s dominance and strength under its current leadership.
With the 2027 election still several years away, the political landscape remains fluid, and much can change as key parties continue to strategize for the future.
