The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that while its doors remain open to former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the party will not actively woo them to contest for the 2027 presidential ticket.
Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, addressed swirling rumors about a potential return of both political figures to the PDP. He stressed that the decision to contest is theirs to make, and they should be asked directly about their ambitions.
“I tell you this, today, this party has many very qualified, exceedingly qualified, performing governors that can set up the place to become president of this country,” Ologunagba said, signalling that the PDP is confident in its internal talent pool.
He then specifically addressed the speculation surrounding Jonathan and Obi. “Is Jonathan contesting? Ask him. I don’t speak for President Jonathan. You go ask him. You have access to him, I know. So ask him. It’s not for me to speculate. That’s your imagination. Also, are we talking to Obi? I don’t know why you’re asking that question. Ask Obi, who is talking to him,” he said.
Ologunagba clarified that while the PDP’s doors are open to both men should they choose to return, the party would not “go out of its way to ask anyone to come and pick its ticket.”
The PDP’s statement comes amidst a backdrop of political manoeuvring and alliance talks ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party has begun the process of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with its recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which is a preparatory step towards its National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 in Ibadan.
Tribune Online reports that the PDP noted its primary focus at the moment is to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 as it puts behind itself the contending issues disrupting the party’s cohesion.
