The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has denied allegations that it invited former President Goodluck Jonathan to participate in the 2027 presidential election on its platform. This clarification came from the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he stated that the PDP has not issued its presidential ticket to Jonathan.
Abdullahi emphasized, “The claim that the PDP has offered its presidential ticket to former President Goodluck Jonathan or invited him to run in the upcoming election is untrue.” He aimed to set the record straight regarding the ongoing speculation about Jonathan’s potential candidacy.
He explained that the discussion began during an interview where various topics were covered. The journalist brought up President Jonathan, asking for the PDP’s opinion on the former leader, especially given the circulating reports suggesting he might be urged to seek the presidency again.
“I responded by indicating that Jonathan is eligible to contest the election, as he is a Nigerian and has the legal right to do so. He still has one more term available to him,” Abdullahi stated. This assertion highlights the legal framework surrounding presidential eligibility in Nigeria.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary further elaborated that there is nothing inappropriate about Jonathan considering a run for the presidency, given his eligibility under the law. However, he reiterated that the PDP has not actively sought to recruit him for this purpose.
Abdullahi also pointed out that the PDP has already supported Jonathan sufficiently in the past. As a member of the party, he asserted that there would be no efforts made to woo him back into the race for the presidency.
He noted that the PDP boasts a roster of 12 governors and many other prominent politicians who are both eligible and capable of contesting in the upcoming presidential election. This statement reflects the party’s confidence in its current leadership and potential candidates.
Read also: Former President Jonathan urges Nigerians not to give up on their country
Lastly, Abdullahi referenced a recent statement from Jonathan’s wife, who remarked that nothing would persuade her husband to run for the presidency again. She indicated that he has no unfinished business in the Villa, which raises questions about the likelihood of his return to the political arena. “How then can we consider him? A ticket is given to someone who has shown interest,” he concluded
