The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated that former President Goodluck Jonathan is still a member of the party. Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the national publicity secretary, made this statement during a press briefing regarding preparations for the upcoming national convention in November. This comes in response to former minister Prof. Jerry Gana’s claims that Jonathan would run for and win the 2027 presidential election on the PDP platform.
Ologunagba stressed that while Jonathan remains a member, the party has a wealth of qualified candidates capable of securing public support. He remarked, “I don’t speak for Professor Jerry Gana… President Jonathan is a member; he has not indicated otherwise.”
Gbenga-Hashim Group: No Automatic Ticket for Jonathan
The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has declared that Jonathan will not be granted an automatic path to the PDP presidential ticket in 2027. National coordinator Abdulrazaq Hamzat emphasized that the party’s delegates will choose the flagbearer through an open and transparent process, as mandated by the Electoral Act 2022.
Hamzat acknowledged Gana’s enthusiasm for Jonathan’s potential return but insisted that the nomination process will not favor any individual. He warned that Jonathan symbolizes an “old order,” noting that many citizens seek progress rather than a return to previous leadership.
Additionally, he criticized Jonathan’s foreign policy decisions, particularly Nigeria’s support for NATO’s intervention in Libya, describing it as a “strategic blunder” that has negatively impacted regional security.
In conclusion, Hamzat affirmed that any candidate, including Jonathan, must compete fairly in primaries to gain the party’s endorsement, underscoring that Nigerians deserve new leadership.
