By Muhammad Mamman
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from comments by former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, suggesting that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan would be its presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told journalists in Abuja on Monday that Gana lacked the authority to speak on behalf of the PDP. He stressed that the party was focused on its forthcoming national convention and had several qualified aspirants, particularly among its governors, who could lead Nigeria in 2027.
Gana, speaking at a PDP event in Minna over the weekend, had declared that Jonathan would contest on the party’s platform, claiming Nigerians wanted him back after experiencing “the difference” under subsequent administrations.
But Ologunagba dismissed the remarks as personal opinion, insisting Jonathan had made no such declaration and that the party was not short of capable candidates.
Meanwhile, the Presidency reacted to the speculation, saying Jonathan was free to contest but warning that his “dismal record in office” remained fresh in Nigerians’ minds. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga described the PDP’s alleged plan to field Jonathan as “absurd” and said the former leader would face both legal and public hurdles if he decided to run.
