2027: PDP Disowns Jerry Gana Over Pro-Jonathan Comment
2027: PDP Disowns Jerry Gana Over Pro-Jonathan Comment
The Peoples Democratic Party in (PDP) has distanced itself from comments credited to its former Board of Trustees member and ex-Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, suggesting that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be the party’s presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) said Gana’s remarks were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the official position of the opposition party.
The party stressed that the decision on its presidential flagbearer would be determined through established internal democratic processes, not through unilateral declarations by individuals, no matter their standing in the party.
“The PDP has no shortage of credible and competent presidential materials ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement read. “Our governors, lawmakers, and other leaders from across the country continue to demonstrate capacity, performance, and readiness to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges.
The choice of our presidential candidate will be made by the organs of the party in line with our constitution and guidelines.”
Gana, speaking in Minna at the weekend during the election of new officials of the Niger State chapter of the party, had argued that Nigerians, having experienced the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari for eight years and President Bola Tinubu for two years, now desired Jonathan’s return to power.
According to him, the contrast in governance under the two successive All Progressives Congress (APC) governments had rekindled nostalgia for Jonathan’s tenure, which he described as comparatively better for Nigerians.
But the PDP leadership swiftly rejected this assertion, emphasizing that the party remains focused on rebuilding its structures, reconciling aggrieved members, and preparing a credible platform to contest power in 2027.
Political analysts say the development underscores growing debates within the PDP over its strategy for the next presidential election, with questions lingering on whether the party will zone its ticket to the South and who among its leading figures might eventually emerge as its candidate.
