PDP has invited Jonathan to contest for president in 2027 – Official
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed that it has reached out to former President Goodluck Jonathan for a potential return to Aso Rock in 2027.
In a BBC Hausa interview, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, affirmed that discussions were underway to persuade Jonathan to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 presidential election.
“We are indeed reaching out to him, just as many Nigerians are calling for his return,” Abdullahi said.
There were earlier speculations that the opposition party was considering offering Jonathan an automatic ticket, banking on his eligibility to serve just one more term, a proposition seen as a possible unifying solution for the party’s divided camps.
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Sources within the PDP disclosed that several governors and party heavyweights have been quietly consulting Jonathan, with some even accompanying him to Gambia, where the former president recently attended a public function.
“There’s a strong belief among northern blocs that Jonathan’s single-term candidacy can serve as a bridge to power-sharing in 2031,” a PDP Board of Trustees member said anonymously.
Meanwhile, the PDP leadership appears increasingly cautious about relying on Peter Obi, who ran under the Labour Party in 2023.
Though still popular among youth and southern voters, insiders say his political future remains uncertain and his loyalty to the PDP questionable.
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Abdullahi further praised Jonathan’s legacy, especially his peaceful concession after the 2015 presidential election, calling it a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“He didn’t rig, despite having the power. He chose peace over power and preserved democracy,” the PDP spokesman said.
He also disclosed that Jonathan has not rejected the proposal, but instead requested time for wide consultations before deciding.
“One of his conditions was to be granted an automatic ticket, though he made it clear he’s still consulting,” Abdullahi added.
If he accepts, Jonathan would become the first former president in Nigeria’s history to stage a comeback bid under the same political platform that once ousted him.
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