Tension as PDP dismisses Jerry Gana’s claim on Jonathan’s 2027 candidacy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved swiftly to reject a claim made by former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan would fly the party’s flag in the 2027 general elections.

Opposition party insists it has capable alternatives

National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told journalists in Abuja that while Jonathan remains a member of the party, he has not declared any interest in returning to the presidential race.

He stressed that Gana’s comment was a personal opinion and not an official party position.

According to Ologunagba, the PDP has a rich pool of qualified aspirants, particularly state governors whose performances demonstrate their ability to lead the nation.

He said the party is currently focused on its national convention and will decide its presidential ticket at the appropriate time.

He reiterated that the party would not be swayed by speculation but remains committed to presenting a strong candidate capable of rescuing Nigeria from its present challenges.

Presidency challenges Jonathan’s record ahead of 2027

Reacting to the controversy, the Presidency declared that Jonathan is free to contest the 2027 election but warned that his years in office remain fresh in the memory of Nigerians.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, argued that Jonathan’s six-year tenure was marked by “economic mismanagement and weak governance,” which ultimately led to his defeat in 2015.

He described the suggestion of Jonathan’s comeback under PDP as an “absurd political strategy,” insisting that Nigerians would hold him accountable for his past performance if he re-enters the race.

Onanuga further noted that Jonathan would not only have to face constitutional hurdles but also convince voters that he has something new to offer in a political landscape that has changed since his exit from power.