PDP Calls On Jonathan To Guide Party As 2027 Presidential Bid Looms

PDP Calls On Jonathan To Guide Party As 2027 Presidential Bid LoomsThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the 2027 presidential election under its platform. In an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, stressed that it would be unfortunate if Jonathan chose another party for his presidential bid. Abdullahi revealed that the PDP had been eagerly awaiting Jonathan’s return for a second term, underscoring the party’s integral role in his political rise.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abdullahi also highlighted the PDP’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s leadership, pointing to prominent figures such as former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Health Dora Akunyili, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Akinwunmi Adesina, and many others who were products of the party. He reiterated the party’s desire to see Jonathan complete his term and warned against the “hypocrisy of the All Progressives Congress” (APC).

“If Goodluck Jonathan is seriously considering running, we have been calling him to come back and finish what he started. It will not be out of place,” Abdullahi said. He also criticized the APC, claiming that if Jonathan ran with another party, it would expose the hypocrisy of the ruling party.

Abdullahi advised Jonathan to be wary of the recent praise coming from those who once criticized him. “It’s important for him to remember how he was vilified and reduced to nothing by the same people. Now they are calling him the messiah, and he must not be swayed by their sudden affection,” he cautioned.

The renewed speculation about Jonathan’s political future was sparked by the appearance of presidential campaign posters across major locations in Kano, which read, “Team New Nigeria 2027: The Goodluck Nigeria Needs—Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.” These posters, part of a political movement called “Team New Nigeria,” reignited debates about Jonathan’s potential return to politics in 2027. This development has raised questions, particularly since it mirrors events before the 2023 elections, when Jonathan’s supporters had tried to draft him into the race under the APC banner—a move Jonathan distanced himself from.

Another factor fueling the speculation is the reported efforts by key northern political figures to draft Jonathan into the 2027 race. This move is based on the belief that Jonathan, who served from 2011 to 2015, remains eligible for another four-year term.

In the midst of this, sources within the PDP have indicated that the party’s future direction will be decided at its upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for February 2025. A member of the NEC, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed that the discussions at this meeting would shape the party’s future.

Since taking over as acting National Chairman after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court-ordered removal, Umar Damagum has faced increasing criticism. There have been growing calls for his resignation as the party navigates internal challenges. At the 98th NEC meeting in April, plans for ward and state congresses were approved, and a reconciliation and disciplinary committee was set up. The North Central Caucus was also tasked with selecting a replacement for Damagum. The 99th NEC meeting, originally set for August, was postponed several times, with the latest rescheduled date being November 28, 2024.

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