From all indications, the plot to draft ex-President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race appears to be gathering steam.
His supporters in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday launched what some political observers interpreted to be part of the underground work to clear the way for his emergence as the party’s flag bearer.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) warned party members against further endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Although it did not mention the names of party members who have endorsed the President so far, the NWC branded their action as anti-party.
This, according to it, has continued to “impact negatively on the PDP, leading to division, disaffection and heavy haemorrhaging of members with the capacity to diminish our party’s electoral fortune if not immediately checked.”
Top members of the PDP including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state chapter of the party, former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose as well as the Ogun State chapter of PDP led by the Chairman, Abayomi Tella, and the 2023 governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, had at different times said they were for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking for the PDP NWC in a statement yesterday, National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the wave of endorsements was an affront on the party.
His words: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reviewed the anti-party activities of certain members of the party, particularly those endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
“Of serious concern is the persistent public media outbursts against our Party by some prominent members whose actions and utterances, including their public declaration of support and willingness to work for the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Presidential election in violation of the provision of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), constitute a serious threat to the stability and sustenance of our Party.
“Specifically, Section 10 (6) of the PDP Constitution provides that ‘NO MEMBER of the Party SHALL align with other Parties or groups to undermine the Party or any of its elected government’.
“In the light of the foregoing and the instancy of protecting and preserving the existence of our Party and its electoral fortune, the NWC, pursuant to the provisions of Section 59 (1) of the PDP Constitution hereby issues a strong reprimand against such anti-party activities and cautions those involved to retrace their steps or face stiffer sanctions as provided in the PDP Constitution.
“The NWC charges all members of the Party to remain loyal, focused and continue to work assiduously towards the successful conduct of the PDP National Convention scheduled to hold on the 15th and 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.”
The statement comes on the heels of a hint dropped earlier in the week by former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, that Jonathan was highly qualified to seek re-election as president on the platform of the party.
“He’s very qualified because he did not leave the party. The more the merrier,” George said in an interview.
