The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has invited former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the presidency in the 2027 elections under its platform.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, expressed optimism about Jonathan’s return, highlighting his previous leadership and the PDP’s contributions to Nigeria’s governance.
“We’ve said this about Jonathan and our governors. Even the FCT minister, is arguably the best performer in his role and he is a product of PDP. El-Rufai, Okonjo-Iweala, Dora Akunyili, Obi Ezekwesili, Akinwunmi Adesina, Amina Mohammed… these are the pride of this country, and they are all products of the PDP,” Abdullahi said.
He also warned Jonathan to be wary of recent praise from individuals and groups in the All Progressives Congress (APC) who previously criticized him, calling it “hypocrisy.” He reminded Jonathan of the harsh treatment he received from them in the past and urged him not to be swayed by their newfound admiration.
Recently, posters of Jonathan as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election have surfaced in Kano. The posters, promoted by a group called Team New Nigeria, carried messages like “The Goodluck Nigeria Needs—Dr Goodluck Jonathan.” This, along with reports that Northern political figures are encouraging his return, has fueled speculation about his political plans. Some believe Jonathan remains eligible for another four-year term, having served as president from 2011 to 2015.
The discussions about Jonathan’s possible comeback coincide with dissatisfaction among some Northern elders over the current leadership of President Bola Tinubu. This has also led to comparisons with other opposition figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
Meanwhile, the PDP faces internal challenges. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally planned for August 2024, has been postponed multiple times, now expected in February 2025. This meeting is critical for addressing key issues, including leadership disputes and lawsuits.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, has directed the National Working Committee to ensure the NEC meeting happens by February. However, logistical problems and differing agendas have caused delays.
Diran Odeyemi, a former PDP official, suggested the delays were due to internal conflicts, noting that aligning with acting Chairman Damagum and his supporters might ease tensions. He warned that rushing into the meeting could worsen the situation.
“If you cannot manage yourselves as a political party, how can you manage the country?” Odeyemi asked.
