By Obinna Uballa
A powerful coalition within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North has thrown its weight behind former President Goodluck Jonathan to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027, describing him as “the only leader capable of redeeming the PDP and reuniting Nigeria.”
The endorsement came in a communiqué issued at the end of the 8th meeting of the PDP Northern Support Group, held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, on Wednesday and Thursday.
Jointly signed by Yusuf Abubakar, the group’s Northern Coordinator, and Adamu Narayi, the North-West Zonal Secretary, the communiqué urged party stakeholders to begin an aggressive mobilisation campaign, particularly in northern Nigeria, to project Jonathan as the PDP’s “most unifying and electable face” for 2027.
The group, comprising PDP loyalists, former appointees, and affiliated organisations across the 19 northern states, also reaffirmed its confidence in the national leadership of Amb. Umar Damagum, praising his efforts to reconcile aggrieved members and reposition the party ahead of the next general elections.
“We remain optimistic that the PDP is not beyond redemption,” Abubakar said. “With genuine commitment and collective sacrifice, our great party will reclaim power both at the centre and in the states currently under APC control.”
Declaring that there is “no going back on Jonathan in 2027,” the group described the former president as a symbol of peace and stability, recalling that he peacefully handed over power in 2015 and has since continued to advocate national unity.
“Dr Jonathan never abandoned the PDP. He embodies unity, progress, and stability. He is the man to restore hope and trust in governance,” the communiqué stated.
On the question of Jonathan’s eligibility to contest, the group dismissed it as a settled issue, insisting that “no legal or constitutional obstacle stands in his way.”
The communiqué, however, expressed concern over what it termed “the unpatriotic behaviour of certain party elders” allegedly working against ongoing reconciliation efforts.
“Some individuals within the National Working Committee, driven by selfish interests, are sabotaging internal cohesion while secretly collaborating with the APC-led government under President Bola Tinubu,” it alleged.
While commending Damagum’s leadership, the group called for firm disciplinary action against party figures engaging in anti-party activities or maintaining double loyalties.
It concluded by reaffirming confidence in the PDP’s grassroots strength in the North, urging members to unite around the party’s broader revival mission.
“Our loyalty is to the PDP, not to individuals. Together, we will restore the party’s lost glory,” the group declared.
Jonathan’s potential return to the PDP ticket has sparked sharp debates within the party, with some blocs backing him as a consensus figure while others argue for power rotation to other regions
