The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has backed the call for former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race. In recent weeks, there have been rumors that northern elites and politicians are dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and are quietly pushing for a change in leadership in the next election.
Four days ago, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, added his voice to the call, pledging to withdraw his presidential ambition if Jonathan decides to run. Speaking at an event in Abuja organized by the Save Africa Initiative, a non-governmental organization, Mohammed expressed his support, citing Jonathan’s experience and ability to revive the economy.
In an exclusive interview, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, affirmed the party’s support for the positions of the Bauchi governor and northern elites. Abdullahi highlighted that Governor Mohammed, who served as a minister under Jonathan, understands the country’s situation and believes Jonathan can provide hope and prosperity.
Abdullahi further noted that Jonathan’s record as a leader who respects democratic processes and willingly conceded defeat in 2015 makes him an ideal candidate for 2027. He emphasized that no single individual, including former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, can dictate the party’s direction, stressing the need for a fresh approach if Jonathan appears to be the stronger candidate.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the discussion about the 2027 election as premature. In an exclusive phone interview with The PUNCH, APC National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, mocked the PDP for its apparent desperation. Ibrahim warned that if Jonathan runs against Tinubu, he will face another defeat.
Ibrahim pointed out that the APC defeated Jonathan when he was in power and will do so again if he runs in 2027. He argued that Tinubu’s leadership within the party played a crucial role in the APC’s victory over Jonathan in 2015, and history would likely repeat itself.
Efforts to obtain a response from Jonathan’s camp were unsuccessful. His spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, declined to comment when contacted.
