The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has refuted claims that it is courting former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election under its banner.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, made this clarification during an interview with BBC Hausa. He emphasized that the party has neither issued its presidential ticket to Jonathan nor invited him to join the race.
Abdullahi 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 false. What happened was this: I had an interview with a journalist who asked for my opinion on Jonathan, given reports suggesting he is being urged to run for the presidency.”
In response, Abdullahi explained that he acknowledged Jonathan’s constitutional eligibility to contest for the presidency, as he has one term left, but this was not an indication of PDP’s plans to involve him in the 2027 election.
“I said Jonathan is eligible to run because, as a Nigerian, the law allows him to contest. He still has one more term left. There is nothing wrong with him contesting if he so desires, but that doesn’t mean the PDP has approached him or offered him the ticket,” he clarified.
Abdullahi reiterated that the party has done enough for Jonathan and would not actively woo him. He noted that the PDP boasts 12 governors and numerous other competent politicians who could contest the presidential election.
He also referenced comments made by Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, who previously stated that her husband had no intention of returning to Aso Villa, as he did not leave anything behind to warrant a comeback.
“Ticket is given to someone who has shown interest. It wasn’t long ago that his wife said he wouldn’t run for presidency again. How then can we consider him?” Abdullahi asked.
The PDP spokesman concluded that the party had not yet engaged in any discussions with Jonathan regarding the 2027 election, emphasizing that the focus remains on its current pool of eligible and capable candidates.