By: Bayero Ade
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended an open invitation to former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election under its platform.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, stated that Jonathan’s return would mark a significant milestone for the party, which has consistently shaped Nigeria’s leadership landscape.
“Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership exemplifies the values of the PDP. Our party has a rich legacy of producing exceptional leaders, including figures like El-Rufai, Okonjo-Iweala, Dora Akunyili, Akinwunmi Adesina, and Amina Mohammed. His return would be a defining moment for our nation,” Abdullahi said.
Abdullahi also cautioned Jonathan against the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing recent praise from the ruling party as insincere. “Those who once vilified and diminished his achievements now claim to support him. Jonathan must not fall for their double standards,” he warned.
Speculations about Jonathan’s possible candidacy were heightened by the appearance of his campaign posters in Kano, distributed by a group called Team New Nigeria. The posters, bearing messages like “The Goodluck Nigeria Needs—Dr. Goodluck Jonathan 2027,” have sparked debates across the political spectrum.
Reports suggest that prominent political figures from northern Nigeria are behind the push for Jonathan’s return, emphasizing that he remains eligible to serve one more four-year term. The dissatisfaction of some Northern elders with President Bola Tinubu’s administration has further fueled these calls.
As Jonathan’s potential candidacy stirs political discourse, the PDP’s internal future is set to take centre stage at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for February 2025. The meeting, which has faced multiple delays since August 2024, is expected to address pressing issues, including leadership disputes and internal litigation.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, has directed the National Working Committee to ensure the meeting proceeds without further delays. However, party insiders highlight ongoing logistical challenges and competing agendas.
“Every NEC meeting is critical, but this one carries enormous weight for the party’s future. Decisions made will have far-reaching consequences,” a party source revealed.
Diran Odeyemi, a former PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, attributed the delays to internal power struggles. He urged party members to work towards unity, noting that rushing into the NEC meeting without resolving core issues could deepen existing divides.
“If we can’t manage ourselves as a political party, how can we convince Nigerians that we can manage the country?” Odeyemi questioned.
Initially scheduled for August 2024, the NEC meeting has been rescheduled multiple times, with the latest postponement occurring in November 2024. Party stakeholders now view the February 2025 meeting as a decisive moment for resolving internal conflicts and solidifying strategies for the 2027 elections.
Amidst these developments, the PDP remains hopeful that Jonathan’s candidacy will strengthen its position and unify the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
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