- Party says no formal invitation extended to ex-president for candidacy
- Eligible candidates will emerge through party processes, PDP insists
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has refuted claims that it has invited former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the presidency on its platform in the 2027 general election.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP’s deputy spokesperson, clarified that no offer has been made to the former president, contrary to widespread speculation.
“There is no truth to the reports that the PDP has issued its presidential ticket to former President Goodluck Jonathan or invited him to contest the 2027 election,” Abdullahi stated.
The deputy spokesperson explained that comments made during a recent interview had been misinterpreted.
“In the interview, a journalist mentioned President Jonathan and asked for our opinion on his potential candidacy, given the reports that he is being urged to run,” Abdullahi said. “I simply responded that he is legally eligible to contest because he is a Nigerian citizen and has one term left under the law. However, this was misconstrued as an endorsement or an invitation.”
Abdullahi emphasised that the PDP has several qualified individuals capable of running for the presidency, and the party remains committed to a transparent process in selecting its candidate.
“The ticket will go to someone who formally declares their interest and meets the party’s criteria. We have not yet issued any ticket to anyone,” he added.
Goodluck Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president under the PDP from 2010 to 2015, lost his re-election bid to former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 general election.
The clarification from the PDP comes amidst increasing speculation about Jonathan’s potential return to active politics and his eligibility to run for office. The party has reiterated its focus on ensuring fair and democratic processes in selecting candidates for the 2027 elections.
