The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hinted at the possibility of offering former President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 presidential election — but only if he officially returns to the party and becomes more politically active.
This was revealed by the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, during an interview with Vanguard. He described Jonathan as one of the most senior figures in the party, second only to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“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,” Woyengikuro said. He added that Jonathan remains highly respected and could help rebuild both the party and the country.
When asked if the PDP was ready to give Jonathan an automatic presidential ticket, Woyengikuro replied, “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.”
Jonathan, who led Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, lost his re-election bid to President Muhammadu Buhari. Since leaving office, he has stayed largely away from partisan politics but remains influential both within Nigeria and across Africa.
If Jonathan decides to return to active politics and rejoin the PDP formally, it could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
