The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended a formal invitation to former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election on its platform. This call has come amid ongoing challenges within the party, as its leadership faces scrutiny and internal divisions.
In a statement during an interview, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, emphasized the party’s desire for Jonathan to return and “complete what he started” under the PDP. Abdullahi expressed concern that Jonathan’s alignment with another political party would harm the PDP and expose inconsistencies in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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 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 the former president 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.
The speculation surrounding Jonathan’s return intensified after campaign posters promoting him for the 2027 elections appeared in Kano. The posters, organized by a group called Team New Nigeria, bore slogans like “The Goodluck Nigeria Needs.” Similar campaigns had occurred before the 2023 elections, but Jonathan denied involvement.
Meanwhile, the PDP is grappling with its internal issues. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has faced criticism, with calls for his resignation growing. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in February 2025 is expected to address these challenges and determine the party’s future strategy.
Reacting to the PDP’s invitation to Jonathan, the APC dismissed any threat. Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Director of Publicity, stated, “Even 10 Jonathans cannot defeat the APC.” He added that the ruling party remains confident in its dominance, citing past victories against Jonathan as evidence of the APC’s strength.
