Goodluck's spokesman dismisses speculation saying former president will run as PDP candidate

FORMER president Dr Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed speculation indicating that he shall be seeking the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential ticket ahead of next year's general elections.

Last week, the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP threw the cat among the pigeons when it declared that Dr Jonathan, who was Nigeria's president between 2010 and 2015 would be standing in next year's polls. To compound this, the party even indicated the ticket was automatic as former Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu added that the former president did not need to undergo screening because of his status.

A grouping calling itself the Coalition for Jonathan 2027, said it took it upon itself to woo the former president to run in order to save Nigeria from impending collapse. According to Tom Ohikere, its national president, it however, is yet to receive a clear response from the former president and expressed concern that he had not picked up a nomination form from any political party.

However, dousing the speculation, Jude Imagwe, one of Dr Jonathan’s media aides, appeared on News Central Television, saying there was no evidence to suggest that the former president was seeking to contest the presidency. He added that Dr Jonathan has neither declared interest in the 2027 presidential race nor authorised any individual or group to purchase nomination forms or campaign on his behalf.

Mr Imagwe added: “There is no evidence anywhere that former President Goodluck Jonathan is running for president in 2027." This fits in with recent statements from Dr Jonathan's aides who have repeatedly pointed out that he remains focused on democracy advocacy, peace-building and international engagements.

Earlier today, the PDP denied allegations that it barred other presidential aspirants from obtaining nomination forms. Ini Ememobong, spokesman for the Turaki faction of the party described any such claims as false, insisting that all interested aspirants remain free to purchase and submit their forms within the approved timeframe.

He added: “We state clearly that the interim national working committee is not aware of any hindrance by the party through its officials to prevent anybody from purchasing the forms. By the amended timetable, the last date for purchase and return of completed forms is Friday, 22nd May 2026 and the special screening for those yet to be screened is on Saturday, 23rd May 2026.

“To this end, we urge the public to discountenance any story alleging that the party is preventing people from purchasing forms. We reiterate that our forms are still available during the period specified in the amended timetable and all Nigerians seeking to genuinely contest on our platform are free to obtain, fill, and return their forms.”

Mr Ememobong explained that the party recently extended the deadline for the purchase and submission of forms following appeals from party members. He added that although the party had zoned its presidential ticket to the south, no Nigerian could be constitutionally prevented from contesting for elective office.