The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said former President Goodluck Jonathan could be offered its 2027 presidential ticket, but only if he returns to the party and plays a more active role.
First News gathered on Wednesday, August 6, that this condition was made clear by PDP’s National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, during an exclusive interview in Abuja.
He described Jonathan as the party’s natural leader and said his return could change the party’s fortunes in the next election.
“Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now.
“Aside from [former President Olusegun] Obasanjo, the next person in line is him. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” Woyengikuro said.
He confirmed ongoing consultations with Jonathan and his associates to bring him back into the party’s mainstream, saying the PDP is serious about rebuilding itself ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Nigeria has reached a point where we need to salvage this country — for our generation and for those to come,” he said. “When we talk about the Southern Presidency, someone like Goodluck Jonathan stands out.”
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Pressed on whether the party is willing to hand Jonathan an automatic ticket, Woyengikuro was emphatic:
“For me, that’s what I firmly stand for. You can quote me anywhere — I want him to come. An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now. Because we must salvage both this party and the nation.”
According to Woyengikuro, Jonathan’s return would not only strengthen the PDP but also reshape the national political scene.
He also threw his support behind Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, describing him as a bridge between generations.
“These are the two main individuals I stand for: Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde,” he added.
As Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle, the PDP is expected to intensify efforts to rally key figures and consolidate its internal structure.
Whether Jonathan accepts the offer, and the condition, remains to be seen.