The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has officially refuted claims that it is courting former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, addressed these speculations head-on. He stated unequivocally, "The report that PDP has issued its presidential ticket to former President Goodluck Jonathan or invited him to contest the 2027 presidential election is false."
Abdullahi further explained that while Jonathan remains constitutionally eligible to run, having one term left, this does not imply any active engagement or invitation from the party.
Abdullahi elaborated on the situation, noting that during an interview, he was asked about Jonathan's potential candidacy. He acknowledged Jonathan's eligibility but emphasized that this was not indicative of the PDP's intentions. "I said Jonathan is eligible to run because, as a Nigerian, the law allows him to contest. He still has one more term left.
There is nothing wrong with him contesting if he so desires, but that doesn’t mean the PDP has approached him or offered him the ticket," he clarified.
The PDP spokesperson also highlighted the party's current focus on its pool of capable candidates, which includes 12 governors and numerous other competent politicians. He referenced comments made by Dame Patience Jonathan, the former First Lady, who had previously stated that her husband had no intention of returning to Aso Villa, as he did not leave anything behind to warrant a comeback.
"Ticket is given to someone who has shown interest. It wasn’t long ago that his wife said he wouldn’t run for presidency again. How then can we consider him?" Abdullahi questioned.
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