The All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s invitation to former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest in the 2027 presidential election under its banner.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, confirmed the party’s interest in Jonathan’s return, emphasizing his unfinished work and legacy. Abdullahi also highlighted PDP’s historic contributions to Nigeria’s leadership, citing figures like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dora Akunyili, Akinwunmi Adesina, and Amina Mohammed as products of the party.
“We’ve called on Jonathan to complete what he started. The APC’s recent praises for him are hypocritical, given their past harsh criticisms. He must be cautious of their newfound admiration,” Abdullahi warned.
In contrast, APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the PDP’s move, asserting that Jonathan’s candidacy would pose no threat to APC’s dominance.
“The APC defeated Jonathan when he was in power. Defeating him now would be effortless. Even 10 Jonathans cannot unseat Tinubu,” Ibrahim stated.
He further added that it is premature to discuss 2027 when the APC is focused on delivering its current mandate. “The APC’s strength lies in its structure, not in individual cult followership. Jonathan’s defeat in 2015 was a clear testament to that,” he said.
Jonathan, who contested under the PDP in 2015, was defeated by APC’s Muhammadu Buhari, marking the first time an incumbent president lost an election in Nigeria.
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Opeoluwa Benson – Content Researcher
