Following speculations that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would join the race to contest the 2027 Presidential election, former Minister of Information and Stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana has disclosed that the former President is set to vie for a second term on the platform of PDP.
Prof. Gana while making the disclosure during an interaction with Journalists at the party’s state Congress in Minna, the Niger state capital, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is ready to bounce back and reclaim power in the 2027 general elections.
Gana highlighted that the political landscape in Nigeria has shifted since Jonathan’s previous tenure, stating, “In 2015, former President Jonathan made it clear that his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians. Since his departure, the nation has witnessed various leadership styles, and the contrast has become increasingly evident.” He added that the electorate is now calling for Jonathan’s return, signaling a desire for renewed leadership.
The Congress which marked the end of Barrister Tanko Beji’s tenure as Chairman was witnessed by key party stakeholders including former Governor Babangida Aliyu, former Senator Zainab Abdulkadir Kure, and other caucus members.
Confirming Jonathan’s intent, Gana remarked, “I can assure you that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will be contesting the Presidential election in 2027 as a PDP candidate, and we are confident that Nigerians will support his return to the presidency.”
Emphasizing the democratic nature of the PDP, Gana reiterated the party’s commitment to reflecting the will of the people in choosing their leaders.
He expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in the upcoming election, stating, “the PDP is inherently a grassroots party that has historically championed people-oriented policies. The Nigerian populace remembers our contributions and is eager for us to return to governance.”
The PDP stalwart while addressing concerns regarding internal party wrangling dismissed rumours of a crisis within the PDP, pointing out that all disputes have been effectively resolved during a consultative conference held by the party’s founding members.
Earlier, Chairman of the electoral committee and returning officer, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), while declaring Aliyu Mohammed Haladu as the newly elected chairman of the PDP in Niger State, disclosed that the PDP is working hard to regain its strength in the state and across Nigeria.
Accordingly , he said “the party is determined to resolve its internal crises and become stronger than before.
“Democracy is about the will of the people, and they must be allowed to freely choose their leaders. The PDP has a great chance in 2027 because Nigerians still remember the good governance we offered. When we were in power, the welfare and security of the people were our top priority”.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Aliyu Mohammed Haladu, promised to work tirelessly to rebuild the party and ensure victory in 2027.
He then appealed to aggrieved members to put aside their differences and join hands to strengthen the party both in the state and nationwide.
Others elected into the new state executive include: Khadi Kuta – Secretary, Mohammed Mohammed – Publicity Secretary, Hussain Mohammed Shamsudeen – Legal Adviser, Abdullahi Ibrahim – Treasurer.
Others are Jamilu Sa’idu – Financial Secretary, Solomi Abel– Ndakotsu Women Leader, Abdullahi Tauhid – Vice Chairman, Zone A, Yakubu Idris – Vice Chairman, Zone B and Anas Garba Imam – Vice Chairman, Zone C.
