The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for president in the 2027 elections under its platform. According to Ibrahim Abdullahi, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the PDP remains closely connected to Jonathan’s political journey and would see his decision to join another party as a major disappointment.

“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.

The PDP is positioning Jonathan as the ideal candidate to “finish what he started” while cautioning him to beware of praise from groups that previously criticized him. Abdullahi specifically warned about trusting the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), calling it hypocritical.

“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.

This development comes after Jonathan’s campaign posters appeared across major locations in Kano. The posters, sponsored by a group called Team New Nigeria, featured messages such as “The Goodluck Nigeria Needs.” While Jonathan has not confirmed any plans to run, speculations have increased about his return to the political arena.

Reports also reveal that some northern political leaders are working to draft Jonathan into the 2027 race, believing he is eligible for another four-year term, despite his previous tenure from 2011 to 2015.

The PDP is facing leadership challenges and growing uncertainty as it prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in February 2025. The meeting is expected to tackle critical issues, including the future of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum. Since taking over from Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Damagum has faced mounting criticism and calls for his resignation.

The source stated, “The NEC, like all previous meetings, is where crucial decisions are made. The proposed February NEC meeting will decide the party’s future, whether it happens or not.”

Delays in previous NEC meetings have further complicated the party’s efforts to resolve internal disputes. In April, the NEC established reconciliation plans and preparations for ward and state congresses, but progress has stalled. Insiders believe the February NEC meeting will be crucial in determining the party’s future direction.

“The sooner the meeting is held, the more carefully the issues must be addressed, as every decision made at the NEC carries significant consequences,” the source explained.

A party source commented, “This NEC meeting will either revive the PDP or deepen its current crisis. The delay only makes things worse.”

The APC has dismissed the PDP’s invitation to Goodluck Jonathan, predicting another electoral loss for him if he decides to run. Jonathan’s defeat in 2015 marked a historic moment as the first time an incumbent president lost re-election in Nigeria.

, being a shrewd politician, is not ready to leave his post,” he stated.

As the PDP navigates internal challenges and aims to regain its footing, its call for Jonathan to lead the party in 2027 reflects its strategic attempt to rebuild trust and relevance among Nigerians. The February NEC meeting could be a turning point for the PDP as it sets the stage for the next election.

In a telephone interview with our reporter, the National Director of Publicity of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, said, “There is just no way the APC will be jittery, if at all, there is such a plan to enrol former President Goodluck Jonathan into the race. The APC defeated him when he was in power. Defeating him when he’s out of power will be a walkover.

“It is something that cannot even give the party a sleepless night. So, whoever is making this permutation, if the intention is to scare the APC, I think he needs to go back to the drawing board and think again. We are not worried.

“However, I think it is too premature for us to be talking about 2027. After all, less than 40 per cent of the mandate given to the president under APC has not even been consumed. Let’s get to the river before we start thinking of crossing it. But if you bring 10 former President Jonathans, they cannot defeat the APC as of today.

“The APC defeated Goodluck Jonathan when the president was the leader of the party. The APC will defeat him again now that Tinubu is the president and the leader of the party. It is not Buhari’s cult followership that matters. It is the party arrangement. Buhari did not contest on independent candidature status.”