The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election on its platform.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, emphasised that it would be a regrettable development if Jonathan chose another party for his presidential bid.
He disclosed that the PDP had been eagerly awaiting the former president’s return for a second term, stressing the party’s continued connection to Jonathan’s political rise.
Abdullahi disclosed that the party’s historical role in shaping Nigeria’s leadership, citing several notable figures who had emerged from the party.
“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 the 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,” he added.
The PDP chieftain urged Jonathan to heed the call to finish what he started within the party and warned against the “hypocrisy of the All Progressives Congress.”
“If Goodluck Jonathan is seriously considering running, we have been calling him to come back and complete his term. It will not be out of place, but if he runs with another political party, it will expose the hypocrisy within the APC,” he added.
Abdullahi also advised Jonathan to remain cautious of the recent praise from individuals and groups who previously criticised him.
“It’s crucial for him to remember how he was derided, criticised, and reduced to nothing by these same people. Now that they are suddenly calling him the messiah, he must not be swayed by their sudden affection. That would be unfortunate,” Abdullahi stated.
Meanwhile, sources within the PDP believe that the party’s destiny will be resolved during the impending National Executive Committee meeting in February 2025.
A member of the NEC, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that the agenda and manner in which issues were handled during the meeting would influence the party’s future.
Since taking over as temporary National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court-ordered expulsion, Umar Damagum has faced growing criticism from party officials.
Calls for his resignation have grown louder as the party’s internal turmoil continues.
At the 98th National Executive Committee meeting on April 18, party leaders approved the formation of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee, as well as plans for ward and state congresses.
The North Central Caucus was also entrusted with recommending a replacement for the interim national chairman.
The 99th NEC meeting, originally scheduled for August 15, was postponed to October 24, 2024, and then rescheduled for November 28, 2024.
The PDP Governors Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, later urged the National Working Committee to guarantee that the NEC met by February at the latest.
In addition, Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and former Senate President, echoed this appeal, pushing the NWC to hold the NEC meeting in February.
