Abia PDP Says Jonathan Has Right To Contest 2027 Presidency But Must Follow Due Process

The Abia State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has the constitutional right to contest for the office of President in 2027 but stressed that he must follow the party’s due process before doing so.

The clarification was made by the Abia State PDP Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, during an interview with South East PUNCH in Umuahia on Tuesday.

According to him, the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections will be decided only through a free, fair, transparent, and democratic convention. He stressed that the process cannot be determined by personal preferences, unilateral endorsements, or wishful thinking by any member or group within the party.

“As a former President and a respected leader of the party, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan enjoys the constitutional right to contest for the party’s ticket if he so desires,” Elder Amah said.

He added that while some influential interest groups within the PDP strongly believe Jonathan is qualified to represent the party at the national level, the final decision rests with the delegates at the convention.

The PDP chairman emphasized that the Abia chapter remains open and neutral to all aspirants until they formally present their vision, manifesto, and policy direction to the party.

“At this time, former President Jonathan is yet to formally approach the Abia PDP with his policy direction, vision, or manifesto. Our doors are open to all aspirants. Until such a time when they present their plans and the convention decides, the Abia PDP remains neutral,” he noted.

Amah further reaffirmed the chapter’s commitment to internal democracy, equity, and fairness, stressing that the party is keenly monitoring political developments across the country and within the PDP. He assured that the Abia chapter will make its official position known at the appropriate time, in line with the collective interest of its members and stakeholders.

The Abia PDP described the tree of democracy within the party as strong, stressing that no aspirant, including Jonathan, is exempted from the established guidelines and procedures.