PDP Dismisses Jerry Gana’s Claim on Jonathan’s 2027 Presidential Bid

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from comments made by former information minister Jerry Gana, who claimed ex-president Goodluck Jonathan would contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform. Gana, addressing supporters last week, asserted that Jonathan would emerge as the PDP candidate and defeat President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba dismissed the claim, stressing that Gana was expressing his personal opinion. “Professor Jerry Gana doesn’t speak for the PDP. I don’t also speak for Professor Jerry Gana. People can express their opinion. But I will emphasise this,” Ologunagba said. He noted that while Jonathan remains a member of the party, he has not declared any intention to run. Ologunagba added that the PDP has “eminently qualified Nigerians, particularly at the governors’ level, who have done exceedingly well” and are capable of contesting when the time comes.

The presidency has also condemned Gana’s statement, describing it as “absurd” and accusing him of attempting to draw Jonathan into the race for “personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests.”

Jonathan, who attended a coalition meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja last week, has stayed silent on speculation about his political plans. Some PDP leaders, including Gana, Bauchi governor Bala Mohammed, and Senator Abba Moro, have openly suggested that the party is working to convince Jonathan to return as its candidate.

Jonathan, who assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and won election in 2011, remains constitutionally eligible to seek one more term.