The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied claims that it invited former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election under its platform. The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, clarified the situation during an interview with BBC Hausa, describing the reports as false and a misrepresentation of his earlier statements.
No Official Invitation to Jonathan
Abdullahi refuted the widely circulated claim that the PDP had offered its presidential ticket to Jonathan or invited him to join the 2027 race. According to him, the confusion stemmed from a misinterpretation of an interview he granted to a journalist.
“In that interview, we discussed several political issues, and the journalist asked about Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the presidency,” Abdullahi explained. “I stated that, as a Nigerian, Jonathan has the legal right to run for president, as he still has one more term left under the constitution. However, this was misconstrued as the PDP inviting or endorsing him, which is not true.”
President Goodluck Jonathan
Jonathan’s Eligibility Under the Law
Addressing the controversy, Abdullahi emphasized that Goodluck Jonathan remains eligible to contest for the presidency if he chooses to do so. Having served one full term as an elected president after completing the tenure of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Jonathan still has one constitutional term left.
“The law allows him to contest, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, the PDP has not approached him or issued any ticket for the 2027 election,” Abdullahi added.
A Party of Diverse Aspirants
Abdullahi further noted that the PDP is home to numerous qualified individuals who could vie for the presidency in 2027. These include 12 serving governors and other prominent party members with proven leadership credentials.
“President Jonathan is one of many capable individuals within the PDP who are eligible to seek the party’s ticket. However, we are not in a position where we need to woo him. The PDP has supported him in the past and continues to be a platform that nurtures great leaders,” Abdullahi remarked.
A Carefully Navigated Political Landscape
The clarification comes amidst heightened political speculation about potential candidates for the 2027 elections. Analysts have linked Jonathan’s name to various political discussions, partly due to his enduring legacy and perceived neutrality in Nigeria’s polarized political climate.
However, Abdullahi’s remarks underline the PDP’s strategy of focusing on inclusivity and a transparent process in selecting its presidential candidate.
What’s Next for PDP in 2027?
As the PDP gears up for the next general elections, the party is expected to leverage its wealth of experienced leaders and grassroots structures to regain national prominence. While Goodluck Jonathan’s name continues to draw attention, the party’s leadership remains focused on strengthening its internal democracy and ensuring a competitive selection process for its presidential candidate.
With the political atmosphere in Nigeria heating up ahead of 2027, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the PDP positions itself to challenge the ruling party. Whether or not Jonathan becomes part of that equation, the party’s next moves will be crucial in determining its future.
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