A coalition of northern stakeholders within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The endorsement was made during the group’s 8th strategic meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, spanning two days of deliberations.
In a communiqué jointly signed by Yusuf Abubakar, the Northern Coordinator, and Adamu Narayi, the North-West Zonal Secretary, the PDP Northern Support Group described Jonathan as “the only man capable of redeeming the PDP and restoring Nigeria’s unity.” The group emphasized his legacy of peaceful leadership and national cohesion.
The coalition, comprising loyalists and support groups from all 19 northern states, called for an aggressive media campaign to galvanize support for Jonathan, particularly in the North. They urged party members to rally behind a renewed PDP agenda that prioritizes unity, progress, and democratic restoration.
The group also reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, commending his reconciliation efforts aimed at repositioning the party. “We remain optimistic that the PDP is not beyond redemption,” Abubakar stated. “With genuine commitment and collective sacrifice, our great party will reclaim power at the national level and in states currently under the APC.”
Jonathan’s peaceful handover of power in 2015 was cited as a testament to his democratic values. The group insisted there was “no going back” on his candidacy, portraying him as a symbol of stability and a unifying figure in Nigeria’s fractured political landscape.
Concerns over Jonathan’s eligibility to contest again were dismissed by the group, who claimed the matter had long been resolved. They accused opposition forces of attempting to distract the PDP with legal technicalities, asserting that such tactics would not deter their campaign.
However, the communiqué expressed concern over internal sabotage within the party, alleging that certain members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were undermining reconciliation efforts. These individuals were accused of collaborating with the ruling APC while feigning loyalty to the PDP.
The group urged Damagum to take disciplinary action against those involved in anti-party activities and double loyalty. They stressed that internal unity and accountability were essential to the PDP’s revival ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite internal challenges, the coalition maintained that the PDP still enjoys strong grassroots support across northern Nigeria. They called on members to close ranks and focus on rebuilding the party’s strength and credibility.
“Our loyalty is to the PDP, not to individuals,” the communiqué concluded. “Together, we will restore the party’s lost glory and offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027
