Jonathan’s Comeback: PDP Pushes for Former President’s Return, APC Downplays Threat

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed strong support for the push to reintroduce former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race. This move comes amid growing discontent among northern elites with the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.

Recent speculation suggests that some northern politicians are dissatisfied with Tinubu’s presidency and are contemplating a shift in government direction for the upcoming election. The call for Jonathan’s return gained momentum when Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, publicly pledged to abandon his own presidential aspirations if Jonathan decides to run. Mohammed made this statement at a Save Africa Initiative event in Abuja, emphasizing Jonathan’s experience as a key asset for rejuvenating the Nigerian economy.

In an exclusive interview, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi endorsed Mohammed’s position. Abdullahi highlighted Jonathan’s past achievements and his track record of conceding defeat graciously in the 2015 elections. He argued that Jonathan’s leadership style, characterized by integrity and openness, would be beneficial for Nigeria’s future. Abdullahi also responded to potential criticism from former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, asserting that the party’s decision-making should not be constrained by any individual’s preferences.

Contrastingly, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the PDP’s call as premature and desperate. Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Director of Publicity, criticized the PDP’s timing, emphasizing that it is too early to discuss the 2027 election while President Tinubu’s current mandate is still in its early stages. Ibrahim argued that the APC remains confident in its ability to secure victory against Jonathan, should he run. He dismissed suggestions that the APC’s previous success in defeating Jonathan was due solely to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s popularity, asserting that the party’s organizational strength under Tinubu’s leadership would ensure continued success.

Attempts to obtain a response from Jonathan’s camp were unsuccessful. Spokesperson Ikechukwu Eze was unreachable for comment at the time of publication.