Former President Goodluck Jonathan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended an open invitation to former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election on its platform. This call comes amidst internal challenges that could shape the future of the party.
In an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, underscored the party’s desire for Jonathan to finish what he started during his tenure. Abdullahi described Jonathan as a product of the PDP’s legacy of nurturing political leaders, highlighting notable figures such as former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the late Dora Akunyili, and the current FCT Minister.
“We have been calling on Jonathan to return and complete his term with the PDP,” Abdullahi said. “If he decides to run under another party, it will expose the hypocrisy within the APC.”
He further cautioned Jonathan against being swayed by sudden admiration from critics who previously vilified him. “He must not forget how these same people derided him in the past. Now, they call him a messiah. That kind of affection should not cloud his judgment,” Abdullahi warned.
Campaign Posters Spark Speculation
The appearance of campaign posters promoting Jonathan for 2027 in strategic locations across Kano State has fueled speculation about his possible return to the political stage. The posters, attributed to a political group called *Team New Nigeria*, carried messages such as, “The Goodluck Nigeria Needs—Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.”
While Jonathan has yet to make any public declaration, the move echoes a similar episode in 2023 when his supporters reportedly purchased nomination forms for him under the APC, a move he distanced himself from.
The PDP’s internal dynamics have also come under scrutiny ahead of its much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for February 2025. The meeting is seen as critical to resolving ongoing disputes within the party, including calls for the resignation of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, who has faced mounting criticism since taking over after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal.
A member of the NEC, speaking anonymously, explained the significance of the meeting. “The agenda and the way discussions are handled will determine the party’s future. Every decision made at NEC carries significant consequences,” the source said.
However, logistical challenges and differing agendas have delayed the meeting multiple times, with concerns that further postponements could deepen the party’s crises. “The longer we delay, the worse it will be for the PDP. The February NEC meeting must address these pressing issues,” the source added.
Diran Odeyemi, the immediate past Deputy National Publicity Secretary, attributed the delays to deeper internal tensions. “If Damagum senses a plot to remove him, he’ll do everything possible to avoid the meeting. The PDP must align itself for peace before pushing for changes,” Odeyemi cautioned.
APC Responds to PDP’s Call for Jonathan
Reacting to the PDP’s invitation to Jonathan, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the prospect of the former president running against the party. APC National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, expressed confidence in the ruling party’s dominance.
“The APC defeated Jonathan in 2015 when he was an incumbent. Defeating him now would be a walkover,” Ibrahim said. “Even if you bring 10 Jonathans, they cannot defeat the APC today.”
Ibrahim also criticized discussions about the 2027 elections as premature. “Less than 40 percent of President Tinubu’s mandate has been completed. Let’s focus on delivering results before speculating about the next election,” he said.
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As the February NEC meeting approaches, the PDP faces mounting pressure to resolve its leadership issues and present a united front. With Jonathan’s potential candidacy and internal struggles at play, the decisions made at the meeting will not only determine the party’s direction but also shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
Whether Jonathan heeds the call to return or not, the PDP’s path to reclaiming political relevance remains fraught with challenges.