PDP Denies Offering Presidential Ticket to Jonathan

By Zara Maisango 

party refutes claims of wooing former president

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has categorically denied reports that it invited former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election under its platform.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, dismissed the reports, labeling them as false. He clarified, “The report that PDP has issued its presidential ticket to former President Goodluck Jonathan or invited him to contest the 2027 presidential election is not true.”

Abdullahi elaborated that during an interview with a journalist, the topic of Jonathan’s potential return to politics was raised. He explained that his comments were misinterpreted. “I responded by saying that he (Jonathan) is eligible to contest the election because he is a Nigerian and has the right to do that by law. He still has one more term left. So, there is nothing wrong with him contesting the presidential election because he is eligible in the face of the law.”

He emphasized that the party had not approached Jonathan to contest, nor had any discussions regarding the matter taken place. Abdullahi noted, “PDP has done enough for Jonathan, and as a member of our party, there is no reason to woo him.”

In addition, Abdullahi pointed out that the PDP has a robust pool of capable and competent candidates. “We have 12 governors and many other prominent politicians who are eligible and competent to contest the presidential election,” he stated.

He also referenced comments made by Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, who previously dismissed any intentions for her husband to return to the presidency. “It wasn’t long ago that his wife said nothing would make her husband run for the presidency, that he didn’t leave behind or forget anything in the Villa for people to think he’d come back to contest the position again. How then can we consider him? A ticket is given to someone who has shown interest,” Abdullahi concluded.

The PDP’s clarification seeks to dispel growing speculations and reaffirms its stance on the matter as the race towards the 2027 elections begins to heat up.