- The Presidency has acknowledged former President Goodluck Jonathan’s right to contest the 2027 presidential election but criticized his “dismal record in office.” Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, made the statement on Monday in response to claims by former Information Minister Jerry Gana that Jonathan would run under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking after the PDP Congress in Minna, Niger State, Gana stated, “Nigerians have seen the difference” after experiencing subsequent administrations, confirming Jonathan’s intent to contest in 2027 as PDP’s candidate. He urged Nigerians to support Jonathan’s return to the presidency.
However, the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) rejected the notion of an automatic PDP ticket for Jonathan. National Coordinator Abdulrazaq Hamzat emphasized that the party’s flagbearer must emerge through a transparent primary under the Electoral Act 2022, decided by PDP national convention delegates.
“No aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement,” Hamzat said, advocating for fresh leadership to address Nigeria’s challenges. He added that Jonathan would need to compete with unifying candidates like Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open primary.
