2027: Jonathan will contest for presidential seat under PDP — Jerry Gana
By: Abudu Olalekan
You know how politics in Nigeria can twist and turn like a bad Nollywood plot? Well, picture this: it’s a sunny weekend in Minna, Niger State. The PDP’s state congress is buzzing at the party’s secretariat. Journalists swarm around, notebooks out, mics ready. And there, in the midst of it all, stands Professor Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information and a big shot in the Peoples Democratic Party. He’s got that confident smile, the kind that says he’s about to spill some tea. And spill he does. Goodluck Jonathan, our former president, is gearing up to run again in 2027. Under the PDP banner, no less.
Jerry Gana didn’t beat around the bush. During this chat with the press, he laid it out plain. “I can assure you,” he said, eyes steady, “Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will be contesting the Presidential election in 2027 as a PDP flagbearer.” Boom. Just like that. The room probably went quiet for a second, then erupted in questions. It’s the kind of announcement that makes you lean in, wondering if it’s real or just more political smoke.
Let me take you back a bit. Remember 2015? Jonathan stepped down gracefully, saying his ambition wasn’t worth a single drop of Nigerian blood. Noble, right? But fast forward to now. Gana painted a picture of a country that’s seen it all since then—different leaders, different promises. Some good, some not so much. “The contrast has become increasingly evident,” he noted, his voice mixing that formal professor tone with a casual edge, like he’s chatting over garri and soup. Nigerians, he says, are feeling it. They’re calling for Jonathan’s return. The electorate wants that steady hand again, the one that remembers what people-oriented policies look like.
It’s not just talk. Gana’s words carry weight because he’s been in the trenches with the PDP from the start. He emphasized how the party stays true to its roots—grassroots, democratic, all about the people’s will. No top-down nonsense. “The PDP is inherently a grassroots party,” he explained, “that has historically championed people-oriented policies.” And the people? They remember. They miss those days when things felt a tad more hopeful. Eager, even, for the PDP to slide back into power.
But hold on, not everything’s smooth sailing. Rumors of infighting in the PDP? Gana shut that down quick. “Any recent disputes were effectively resolved,” he said, pointing to a consultative conference with the party’s founding fathers. Crisis averted. It’s like the party’s ironing out its wrinkles ahead of the big show in 2027. Smart move.
Now, let’s get real for a sec. Gana didn’t shy away from jabs at the current setup. The economy’s stumbling, foreign investors are ghosting us. Why? “A number of detrimental gatekeepers,” he quipped, shaking his head. Those folks blocking the way, you know? But Nigeria’s got potential, he insisted. “There is immense potential for financial growth.” It’s there, waiting. Just needs the right push.
As the sun dipped lower that day in Minna, Gana wrapped it up with optimism. The political landscape’s shifting, gears grinding toward 2027. PDP’s positioning itself for a comeback, with Jonathan at the helm. Nigerians will support it, he believes. Confident. It’s like the party’s whispering, “We’re back, and this time, we’re ready.”
Think about it. Jonathan’s story isn’t over. From his days steering the ship through storms to this potential encore. It’s got that underdog vibe— the leader who left quietly, now beckoned back by the crowd. Will it happen? Gana says yes. And in Nigeria’s wild political arena, that’s enough to keep everyone talking.
Of course, primaries will decide the flagbearer officially. PDP’s all about democracy, after all. But Gana’s endorsement? It’s a signal flare. The party’s rallying, healing old wounds, and eyeing that Aso Rock seat. Meanwhile, the nation watches. Some cheer, some scoff. But one thing’s clear: 2027’s shaping up to be epic.
Gana’s chat wasn’t just news; it felt personal. Like he’s sharing a family secret over tea. He mixed big words with straight talk, formal vibes with that uncle-next-door feel. “The Nigerian populace remembers our contributions,” he added, a subtle nod to the past. And it’s true. Folks chat about it in markets, on buses. Jonathan’s era had its wins—roads built, power flickering on more often. Sure, bumps too. But nostalgia’s a powerful thing.
Critics might say it’s too early, too bold. What about younger blood? Gana’d probably counter: experience counts. And with the economy creaking— inflation biting, jobs scarce—stability sounds good. He hammered that point on investments. Gatekeepers aside, Nigeria’s ripe for boom. Tech hubs in Lagos, oil in the Delta, agriculture up north. Unlock it, and watch the money flow.
As Reportersroom digs deeper, we’ll keep tabs. For now, this Minna moment lingers. Jonathan in 2027? Under PDP? Jerry Gana says bet on it. And in politics, that’s half the battle won.
