“No Automatic Ticket for Jonathan in 2027” – GHSM

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has dismissed speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan could automatically clinch the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in 2027.

Responding to recent remarks credited to Prof. Jerry Gana hinting at Jonathan’s possible return, GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, stressed that the PDP flagbearer would only emerge through a transparent primary process, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

“Prof. Jerry Gana is entitled to his enthusiasm about Jonathan’s return. However, only delegates at the national convention can decide the PDP’s presidential candidate. Ultimately, it is God Almighty who determines leadership, not a few influential party members,” Hamzat said in a statement.

Hamzat argued that Nigerians are seeking progress, not a return to what he described as the “old order” symbolized by Jonathan’s presidency. He recalled that the Jonathan era witnessed rising ethnic tensions, religious division, and policy missteps—particularly Nigeria’s support for NATO’s 2011 intervention in Libya, which he described as a “strategic blunder” that destabilized the Sahel region and worsened insecurity across West Africa.

On domestic governance, Hamzat insisted Jonathan still carries unanswered questions over corruption allegations, including the controversial Dasukigate arms scandal.

He emphasized that PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement.

“If Jonathan is serious about returning to Aso Rock, he must contest fairly against nationally unifying leaders such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open and transparent primary,” Hamzat declared.

The GHSM leader maintained that Nigerians deserve fresh leadership and a new vision, insisting that “the only way forward is forward, not backward.”