Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been urged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the 2027 presidential race on its platform.
The PDP’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the call in an interview with The PUNCH.
Abdullahi said it would be regrettable for Jonathan to opt for another party for his presidential bid, adding that the party was eagerly awaiting Jonathan’s return for a second term.
He said the party’s is still connected to Jonathan’s political rise.
Abdullahi highlighted 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 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.
He 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.
The party spokesperson also advised Jonathan to be 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.
Jonathan’s presidential posters for the 2027 elections were sighted on major streets in Kano sparking speculations about his possible return to the political arena and intensified conversations about other prominent figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
The posters were seen on Gyadi-Gyadi/Zoo Road flyover, Kofar Nasarawa, and State Road, with messages like ‘Team New Nigeria 2027; The Goodluck Nigeria Needs—Dr Goodluck Jonathan.’
A political movement Team New Nigeria’, is reported to be behind the posters as the emergence of the posters is similar to a development before the 2023 elections when supporters purchased nomination forms for Jonathan under the APC, but the former president distanced himself from the move.
It was learnt that key political figures from northern Nigeria had begun efforts to draft Jonathan into the race.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE learnt that the move is hinged on the belief that Jonathan can go for another four-year term, having already served as president from 2011 to 2015.
