The prospect of former President Goodluck Jonathan contesting the 2027 presidential election remains uncertain as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists its attention is currently on internal restructuring rather than the next general polls.
Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi, Chairman of the PDP South-South Committee, explained in Asaba on Monday that the party has not received any indication of Jonathan’s interest in returning to the presidential race.
According to him, the former president remains an elder statesman and party member, but has not been active in meetings where such ambitions could be discussed.
Ogidi acknowledged that Jonathan would enjoy wide support within the PDP if he eventually declared his intention, but stressed that it was too early to dwell on the issue.
He maintained that the party’s immediate priority is the forthcoming national convention, where a new executive committee will be elected to drive the rebuilding process.
“The focus now is to strengthen our structures. The presidential election is still far away, and it is only after reorganising the party that we can begin conversations around candidates,” he said.
He also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of disregarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable, while affirming that the PDP would continue to respect due process and the electoral laws.
On the state of the party in Delta, Ogidi likened the PDP to an “Iroko tree,” stressing that despite perceived challenges, its roots remain firm.
He disclosed that a caretaker committee would soon be announced to manage the party’s affairs in the state ahead of a congress to elect a new state executive.
With Jonathan’s position still unknown, the PDP appears set on consolidating its internal machinery before turning its attention to the 2027 elections.
