The reported 2027 ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan has split the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-South into two camps, with the stakeholders holding divergent positions on the issue.
While some party members believed Jonathan should not contest against President Bola Tinubu, various political pressure groups drummed support for the ex-leader.
Aides to the former President have been quoted in the media that their principal was consulting on whether to throw his hat in the ring in 2027.
Jonathan’s home state, Bayelsa, is awaiting the position of Governor Douye Diri on the issue as the ex-president’s reported ambition has divided the loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in Rivers State, with the two camps taking opposite stance.
The Edo chapter of the party welcomes the prospect of having Jonathan on the ballot, describing him as a breath of fresh air.
Party leaders in Delta State equally pledged their support for the Bayelsa-born politician, while the PDP in Akwa Ibom State is waiting for Jonathan’s formal declaration before announcing its position.
To strengthen the party’s chances in 2027, the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, met with Jonathan in Bayelsa where they discussed his possible return to the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Additionally, party leaders such as former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Information and National Orientation Jerry Gana, and others have publicly urged Jonathan and others to run under PDP.
However, Nigerians remain divided over Jonathan’s eligibility, following a 2018 constitutional amendment that prohibits anyone who has been sworn in twice in the past from contesting for the presidency or a governorship.
Sections 137(3) and 182(3) of the Constitution state that a person who has been sworn in to complete another person’s term as President or Governor may only be elected to that office for one additional term.
However, Jonathan’s office asserted that he could contest against Tinubu citing a 2022 court judgement which affirmed the ex -president’s right to run again.
The previously unpublished judgment delivered by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, confirmed that Jonathan was well qualified to contest the presidential election.
Speaking on Jonathan’s bid, the Edo State chapter of the PDP stated that his return to the party and national leadership would be a refreshing development.
0 Comments