The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has named former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as one of several potential candidates for its 2027 presidential ticket. The announcement was made yesterday by PDP National Publicity Secretary and Secretary of the Publicity Sub-Committee for the National Convention Organising Committee, Debo Ologunagba, during a press briefing in Abuja.
Ologunagba clarified that while Prof Jerry Gana recently endorsed Jonathan as a likely candidate, the PDP boasts a pool of capable leaders, including high-performing governors, who could also vie for the ticket. “I don’t speak for Prof Gana or former President Jonathan, but our party has many worthy personalities, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” he said.
Addressing internal party matters, Ologunagba dismissed claims of a factional state congress in Cross River State, allegedly backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which reportedly re-elected Venatius Ikem as chairman. He described such claims as a “mere hallucination” and a “carnival” in Calabar, asserting that no authorized congress took place. The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Umar Damagum, postponed congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi states. The Southsouth Zonal Caretaker Committee, led by Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, will oversee Cross River’s party affairs until a formal congress is scheduled with proper notification to INEC.
Ologunagba emphasized the NWC’s authority, refuting reports of conflicting letters sent to INEC by Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. “The Damagum-led NWC is the sole decision-making body for the party, not any individual,” he said, accusing some members of colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the PDP.
The PDP extended the deadline for nomination form submissions to allow further consultations for micro-zoning positions, ensuring a smooth national convention set for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Ologunagba unveiled the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) office at Legacy House in Abuja, which will serve as the hub for convention activities. Fifteen sub-committees, including those for screening, venue, security, and constitutional amendments, have been established to ensure a seamless event.
On the Ekiti State governorship race, Ologunagba noted that five aspirants, including three men Olumayokun Oluwole Oluyede, Dr. Funso Ayeni, and one other and two women, who were exempt from nomination fees to encourage female participation, will be screened on October 2 at the NCOC Conference Hall in Abuja.
Ologunagba dismissed attempts to sabotage the convention, stating, “The PDP train has reached Ibadan.” He highlighted the party’s 16-year legacy of prosperity, contrasting it with the APC’s “years of scarcity,” and expressed confidence that the convention would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
