The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied claims that former President Goodluck Jonathan is planning to run in the 2027 presidential election. PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, stated that the party has not issued its presidential ticket to Jonathan nor invited him to contest the election, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
Abdullahi provided additional context to the speculations and explained how the false narrative may have started. He stated:
“The report that PDP has issued its presidential ticket to former President Goodluck Jonathan or invited him to contest the 2027 presidential election is not true.
“What happened is this: I had an interview with a journalist where we discussed some issues. But in the course of the interview, he mentioned President Jonathan, asking about our opinion of him, because there are reports that he is being urged to run for the presidency.
“I responded by saying that he (Jonathan) is eligible to contest the election, because he is a Nigerian and has the right to do that by the provision of the law, and he still has one more term left.
“So, there is nothing wrong about him contesting the presidential election because he is eligible in the face of the law.”
Abdullahi emphasized that the PDP is committed to utilizing its talent pool of qualified leaders, boasting 12 governors and prominent figures, to field capable presidential candidates without relying on Jonathan.
“It wasn’t long ago that his wife said nothing would make her husband run for the presidency, that he didn’t leave behind or forget anything in the Villa for people to think that he’d come back to contest the position again. How then can we consider him? Ticket is given to someone who has shown interest,” he said.
The clarification comes as speculation mounts about Jonathan’s future in politics and a possible return to national politics, with the PDP denying it has approached him, while Abdullahi’s comments highlight the party’s dedication to developing its current leaders for the 2027 elections.
For now, the party seems focused on bolstering its ranks, dispelling rumors, and preparing for a competitive political landscape ahead of 2027.
