Former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido has named ex-president Goodluck Jonathan as the Peoples Democratic Party’s strongest prospect for the 2027 presidential race, urging the party to make deliberate efforts to woo him back.
“I think for PDP now they should try to woo him [Jonathan]; he is their best bet. To me, he is their best bet. Anybody put forth by the PDP, Nigerians will support him,” the ex-governor said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Lamido described Jonathan as one who has led the country before, understands governance, and works well with others.
According to the PDP chieftain, no current party member from the South can match Jonathan’s experience.
“He is most welcome, competent, and very qualified. To me, I welcome him into the PDP. I think so far in the PDP, with all respect to all members, I don’t see a better alternative than Jonathan if he comes to the PDP.
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“I don’t see any other person, really. If we are giving the presidency to the South, it will be the PDP. Who is there in PDP now that can challenge Jonathan in terms of being in office, being full-headed, being somebody willing to listen, and somebody who is also a key player who believes in partnership?” the former governor said.
Lamido’s comments come against the backdrop of renewed debate over whether former President Goodluck Jonathan might rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Since his defeat in 2015, Jonathan has largely maintained a low political profile, avoiding any public declaration of his future ambitions. Nonetheless, reports of discreet consultations and behind-the-scenes lobbying within PDP ranks have kept his name in circulation as one of the most closely watched figures in the lead-up to the next general election.