2027: Amid Rumours That More PDP Govs May Dump Party, Gana Insists Jonathan Will Run

…Says Nigerians Have Seen Difference Between Ex-President and Others

By Franklin Adole, with agency report

Even as reports swirl that more governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are preparing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has insisted that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election on the PDP platform.

Speaking to journalists in Minna during the weekend, Gana declared that Jonathan had resolved to “reclaim the mandate he relinquished a decade ago” and would take on President Bola Tinubu in 2027. “I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as the PDP candidate, and we should be prepared to vote for him to return as President again,” Gana said.

The pronouncement comes amid heightened uncertainty within the PDP, following weeks of speculation that Jonathan might shy away from challenging the incumbent. Party insiders told reporters that Jonathan’s recent visit to opposition leader Senator David Mark in Abuja was a key step in cementing alliances and signalling readiness. According to Gana, Nigerians now “know the difference” after living under two administrations since Jonathan’s exit. “In 2015, 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. They are now asking us to bring back our friend,” he said.

Gana also stressed that PDP disagreements had been resolved, describing the party as “truly democratic and grassroots-oriented.” At the Niger congress, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed Halidu was elected state chairman with 1,289 votes, edging Alhaji Yahaya Abdullahi (Ability), who polled 1,269.

Meanwhile, Jonathan’s options remain fluid. KTH Daily reported last week that the former president met with African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Senator David Mark, in Abuja.

The reports of Jonathan’s renewed ambition come as the PDP faces a fresh wave of instability. According to reports, four sitting PDP governors may have concluded plans to cross over to the APC, in what could deal a severe blow to the opposition’s chances in 2027. The claim that the governors are allegedly frustrated with the party’s lingering internal crises, especially disputes over zoning, leadership positions, and convention arrangements.

With these uncertainties, Gana’s emphatic declaration that Jonathan will fly the PDP flag in 2027 may inject fresh energy into the party’s rank and file. Yet, with defections looming, the road ahead appears anything but straightforward.