A coalition of northern stakeholders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election under the party’s platform, describing him as the “unifying force needed to rescue Nigeria and rebuild the PDP.”
The declaration was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the group’s two-day meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, on Wednesday and Thursday.
Signed by the Northern Coordinator, Yusuf Abubakar, and the North-West Zonal Secretary, Adamu Narayi, the communiqué outlined the group’s resolve to embark on a massive mobilisation campaign—particularly across the North—to rally support for Jonathan’s candidacy and strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to the statement, the Northern PDP Support Group—comprising loyalists and affiliated organisations across the 19 northern states—also reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
“We commend the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, for his ongoing reconciliation efforts and for steering the PDP with maturity and focus,” the communiqué read.
Abubakar, speaking on behalf of the coalition, said the group’s endorsement of Jonathan was rooted in his proven track record and enduring loyalty to the PDP.
“Dr Goodluck Jonathan remains a man of peace and integrity. He never abandoned the PDP, even after the 2015 elections. He is the bridge between the past and the future—a leader capable of restoring unity, hope, and stability to Nigeria,” Abubakar said.
Dismissing debates over Jonathan’s eligibility to run again, the group maintained that the issue had been “long resolved” and could not be used by opponents to “distract the PDP from its mission.”
However, the group expressed concern over what it described as the “disruptive conduct of some party elders and members of the National Working Committee,” alleging that certain individuals were “collaborating with the APC-led government” while pretending to build the PDP.
The communiqué urged Damagum to take decisive disciplinary measures against those engaged in anti-party activities and double loyalty, warning that failure to act could undermine the PDP’s unity ahead of 2027.
“Our loyalty remains with the PDP, not individuals. We believe the party still commands massive grassroots support across the North. What we need now is unity, discipline, and strategic focus,” the group stated.
The endorsement adds a fresh dimension to the internal debate within the PDP over its 2027 presidential ticket. While some party stalwarts have openly supported Jonathan’s possible return, others are pushing for a new generation of leaders to emerge from other regions.
It was gathered that Jonathan has remained non-committal on his 2027 ambition, even as various interest blocs continue to court him as the party’s potential consensus candidate.
