MINNA, Nigeria — Former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking to journalists on Saturday after the PDP Niger State Congress in Minna, Gana said Nigerians had compared Jonathan’s tenure with successive administrations and were eager for his return.
“In 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan said his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians. After him, another President ruled for eight years, and now another has ruled for two years.
Nigerians have seen the difference, and the difference is very clear. Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.
“I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate, and we should be prepared to vote for him to return as President again,” he added.
Gana described the PDP as “truly democratic and grassroots-oriented,” saying the party had remained popular because of its focus on people-centred programmes.
He dismissed reports of internal crisis, noting that disagreements were addressed at a recent consultative conference in Abuja.
“We are now prepared for the task ahead in 2027,” he assured.
He also urged Nigerians to “shine their eyes” and vote out the current administration, promising that Jonathan’s return would restore “good governance.”
At the congress, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed Halidu was elected state chairman with 1,289 votes, defeating Zonal Chairman Alhaji Yahaya Abdullahi (Ability), who polled 1,269.
Other elected officials included Alhaji Khadi Kuta, returned unopposed as Secretary, and Mrs. Salome Ndakosu, who won the position of Woman Leader with 1,373 votes against Ramotu Jibrin’s 590.
In his acceptance speech, Halidu called for unity among party members.
“Let us join hands in ensuring the return of a people-oriented government in 2027,” he said.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, remains eligible for one more term under Nigeria’s constitution.
His potential candidacy has been the subject of speculation in recent months, with both the PDP and opposition coalitions seen as possible platforms for his return.
