The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed the growing calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to run in the 2027 presidential election.
PDP ENDORSES JONATHAN
The move by the PDP has stirred controversy, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissing it as a desperate attempt by the PDP to remain relevant. Speculation has been rife in political circles about northern elites and politicians being dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, fueling calls for a leadership change.
Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed publicly endorsed Jonathan’s return, citing his experience and track record as vital for revamping the nation’s economy. At a Save Africa Initiative event in Abuja, Mohammed declared, “The former President has the requisite experience to revamp the economy and would do a good job if given a second mandate.” He even pledged to abandon his own presidential aspirations if Jonathan agrees to run.
The PDP leadership has echoed Mohammed’s sentiments. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, highlighted Jonathan’s integrity and past actions, including his concession of defeat in 2015, as evidence of his commitment to democracy. Abdullahi asserted, “If you are talking about a southern Presidency in 2027, we should be looking at someone who has already served a term and can offer Nigerians hope and prosperity.”
APC’S RESPONSE
The APC has downplayed the PDP’s strategy. Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Director of Publicity, dismissed the speculation as premature and futile. He mocked the PDP’s reliance on Jonathan, reminding the public that the APC had defeated him before and would easily do so again. Ibrahim stated, “The APC defeated him when he was in power. Defeating him when he’s out of power will be a walkover.”
Ibrahim also countered the notion that the APC’s success in 2015 was solely due to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s popularity, crediting the party’s internal structure and leadership, particularly that of Tinubu, with its success. He expressed confidence that the APC could replicate its triumph in 2027.
Despite the speculation, Jonathan has remained silent on the issue.