House of Representatives Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can reclaim power in the 2027 general election if former President Goodluck Jonathan eventually emerges on the ballot.
Agbedi made the comment on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he spoke on the state of the opposition party and its preparations ahead of the next election cycle.
According to the Bayelsa lawmaker, the PDP remains a formidable political force despite the internal disagreements and factional disputes that have continued to generate debate within the party.
He maintained that Jonathan remains a political figure with widespread acceptance across different parts of the country and would significantly boost the PDP’s chances if he decides to return to the presidential race.
“With former President Jonathan on the ballot, PDP will win in 2027. While we can agree that he has not mentioned running in 2027, he has also not ruled out the possibility.
“The question of whether it will be the Wike faction or the Turaki faction of the PDP that fields the party’s presidential candidate is yet to be decided. We are confident that the judgement will go our way,” Agbedi said.
Recall Politics Nigeria earlier reported that a faction of the PDP led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, adopted Jonathan as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
However, the move caused controversy after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declined to recognise the nomination.
INEC had explained that nominations and candidacy submissions must follow laid-down electoral procedures and can only be processed through its official portal in accordance with electoral regulations.
The commission’s position effectively invalidated the nomination submitted outside the approved process.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015, has not formally declared interest in the race.
While some groups within the PDP have openly endorsed him, the former president has neither accepted nor publicly rejected the calls for his return.
In a related development, associates of Jonathan on June publicly insisted that there was no indication he intended to contest the next presidential election.
The clarification followed claims by a faction of the PDP that had screened, adopted and announced him as its presidential candidate despite his absence from the process.
According to those close to the former president, Jonathan had not purchased nomination forms, participated in any screening exercise or authorised anyone to campaign on his behalf.
One associate was quoted as saying that anyone genuinely interested in seeking the nation’s highest office would already be engaging in consultations and building political structures across the country.
“Anyway, those of us who are close to former President Goodluck Jonathan know that he is not running in the 2027 election.
“If he were, he would be actively involved, and many of us who are part of his political structure would also be mobilising in support of his ambition.
“At the moment, there is no clear indication that the former president intends to seek re-election in 2027,” the associate said.
Another associate stressed that Jonathan would not be operating in secrecy if he had made up his mind to contest.
“He would publicly declare his intention, identify with a political party, and openly accept its nomination.
“The reality is that the former president is not running. Some individuals are merely using his name to advance their own interests and those of their faction or group,” the source added.
According to them, the former president had emphasised that seeking the presidency is a serious undertaking that requires planning, consultations and nationwide engagement.
They quoted him as saying that running for president is not like “playing a game of Ludo,” but a process that demands preparation, strategy and extensive political work.
Despite those denials, Jonathan has continued to maintain public silence on the matter, neither confirming nor dismissing the endorsements.
