The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended an invitation to former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections on its platform, according to the Punch Newspaper.
In an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, expressed that it would be a regrettable decision if Jonathan decided to pursue his presidential ambitions with another political party.
Abdullahi stated that the PDP has been anticipating Jonathan’s return for a second term, emphasizing the party’s enduring ties to his political journey. He pointed out the significant role the PDP has played in shaping Nigeria’s leadership, referencing a number of influential figures who have emerged from the party.
“We have consistently advocated for Jonathan and our governors. Even the current FCT minister is arguably the most effective in his position, and he is a product of the PDP. Notable individuals like El-Rufai, Okonjo-Iweala, Dora Akunyili, Obi Ezekwesili, Akinwunmi Adesina, and Amina Mohammed represent the pride of this nation, all stemming from the PDP,” he remarked.
Abdullahi urged Jonathan to answer the call to complete his unfinished business within the PDP and cautioned against the “hypocrisy of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
“If Goodluck Jonathan is genuinely contemplating a run, we have been encouraging him to return and complete his term. It would not be out of place, but if he opts for another party, it will reveal the hypocrisy within the APC,” he added.
He also advised the former president to be wary of the newfound admiration from those who previously criticized him.
“It’s essential for him to remember how he was belittled and attacked by these same individuals. Now that they are suddenly portraying him as a savior, he must not be swayed by their sudden affection. That would be a misstep,” Abdullahi cautioned.
The PUNCH reported that Jonathan’s presidential campaign posters for the 2027 election have appeared prominently in Kano, fueling speculation about his potential return to politics and igniting discussions around other notable figures such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
The posters, displayed in strategic locations such as Gyadi-Gyadi/Zoo Road flyover, Kofar Nasarawa, and State Road, bore messages like, ‘Team New Nigeria 2027; The Goodluck Nigeria Needs—Dr Goodluck Jonathan.’
This latest campaign effort is linked to a political movement called ‘Team New Nigeria,’ which is actively advocating for Jonathan across Nigeria.
The emergence of these posters echoes a similar situation prior to the 2023 elections when supporters purchased nomination forms for Jonathan under the APC, a move he later distanced himself from.
Additionally, reports have surfaced that key political figures from northern Nigeria are working to encourage Jonathan to enter the race, based on the belief that he is eligible for another four-year term after his presidency from 2011 to 2015.
Meanwhile, within the PDP, insiders have indicated that the party’s future will be critically evaluated during an upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for February 2025.
A source within the NEC, who wished to remain anonymous, stressed that the meeting’s agenda and the manner of discussions will be pivotal in determining the party’s trajectory.
Since Umar Damagum assumed the role of acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court-ordered exit, he has faced increasing scrutiny from party leaders, with louder calls for his resignation amidst ongoing internal strife.
During the 98th NEC meeting held on April 18, the PDP leadership approved the formation of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee, alongside plans for congresses at the ward and state levels.
The North Central Caucus was given the responsibility of consulting to identify a successor for the acting national chairman.
Originally planned for August 15, the 99th NEC meeting has been postponed multiple times, now set for November 28, 2024.
The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has since instructed the National Working Committee to ensure that the NEC meeting occurs by February.
Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and former Senate President, echoed this call for the February meeting, urging prompt action from the NWC.
According to a source familiar with the situation, the upcoming NEC meeting will be crucial in addressing the party’s urgent issues.
“This meeting, like all previous ones, is where vital decisions are made. The proposed February NEC meeting will determine the party’s future, whether it takes place or not,” the source stated.
However, logistical challenges and differing agendas have complicated the meeting’s scheduling.
The source warned that further delays could be detrimental to the PDP’s interests. “The sooner the meeting is held, the more carefully the issues must be navigated, as every decision at the NEC has far-reaching implications,” the source explained.
In contrast, the immediate past Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Diran Odeyemi, indicated that the postponement of the NEC meeting reflects deeper issues within the party.
He posited that if the aim is to oust Damagum, he would likely resist any meeting where such a decision could be made.
“Damagum is a savvy political player and is not inclined to relinquish his position,” he noted.
Odeyemi argued that if the PDP seeks harmony, it should align with Damagum and his supporters and allow the situation to stabilize before pushing for further changes.
“If you cannot manage your own party, how can you effectively manage the country?” he questioned, warning that rushing into the NEC meeting could exacerbate the party’s crises.
As the February NEC meeting approaches, the PDP’s future direction remains uncertain, with key decisions on the agenda that could significantly influence the party and Nigeria’s political landscape.
APC: “Ten Goodluck Jonathans Can’t Defeat Tinubu”
In response to the PDP’s invitation for Jonathan to run on its platform, the APC asserted that another defeat awaits the former president if he accepts.
Jonathan faced defeat in 2015 while running on the PDP ticket, losing to APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari garnered 15,424,921 votes while Jonathan secured 12,853,162, marking a historic loss for an incumbent president in Nigeria.
In a phone interview, Bala Ibrahim, National Director of Publicity for the APC, stated, “The APC is not concerned at all about the prospect of Jonathan entering the race. We defeated him while he was in power, and defeating him again when he is out of power would be a simple task.”
He continued, “This is not something that keeps the party awake at night. If anyone is attempting to intimidate the APC with these speculations, they need to reassess their position. We are untroubled.”
Ibrahim added, “It’s premature to discuss 2027 when less than 40 percent of the mandate given to the current president under the APC has been fulfilled. Let’s focus on the present before we start contemplating future elections. Even if you brought ten former President Jonathans, they would not be able to defeat the APC today.”
He reiterated that the APC had triumphed over Jonathan while he was the leader of the PDP, and it would do so again under the leadership of President Tinubu. “It’s not about Buhari’s followership; it’s about the party structure. Buhari did not run as an independent candidate.”
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