The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly considering offering former President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 presidential election, if he returns to the party and plays a more active political role.

This was revealed by Daniel Woyengikuro, the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, during an exclusive interview in Abuja. Woyengikuro emphasized Jonathan’s continued influence within the party and the nation’s politics, describing him as the PDP’s national leader.

“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. Aside from [former President Olusegun] Obasanjo, the next person in line is him. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” Woyengikuro said.

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He confirmed that the PDP has been consulting with Jonathan and his associates, aiming to bring him back into the party’s mainstream leadership as part of a larger strategy to reposition the party and address Nigeria’s growing political and economic challenges.

“Nigeria has reached a point where we need to salvage this country — for our generation and for those to come,” Woyengikuro added. “When we talk about the Southern Presidency, someone like Goodluck Jonathan stands out.”

When asked directly if the party would consider granting Jonathan an automatic ticket, Woyengikuro responded emphatically:

“For me, 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.”

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He further asserted that Jonathan’s return would significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Woyengikuro also praised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, calling him a “vibrant leader” and a strong candidate from the South capable of bridging Nigeria’s generational divide.

“These are the two main individuals I stand for: Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde,” he concluded.

The PDP is expected to intensify its internal consultations in the coming months as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The People’s Democratic Party, on Wednesday, announced that the inauguration of its National Convention Zoning Committee will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as part of preparations for its 2025 Elective National Convention.

The party invites key stakeholders to a significant event aimed at shaping the party’s future leadership structure.

This is contained in a press release by PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, on the party’s official X account.

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The inauguration is scheduled to start at 12:00 pm WAT at the NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

The event will bring together PDP governors, members of the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, the National Executive Council, serving and former National Assembly members, as well as other key stakeholders.

“This is to formally inform and invite all our governors, BOT, NWC, NEC, serving and former NASS members, and all our stakeholders to the inauguration of the National Convention Zoning Committee (NCZC) of our great party,” the statement read.

The Edo state deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa, has tasked leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ovia North East to show they are on ground by winning the Ovia federal constituency bye-election scheduled for August 16.

He said that the party expects nothing but victory in the federal constituency seat that became vacant following his (Idahosa) election as the deputy governor of the state.

According to a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa stated this when the APC took their ward to ward campaign to Ofumwengbe, Ekiadolor, and Oluku communities in Ovia North-East.

The deputy governor noted that the party ought not to have any challenge winning the election considering the experience and pedigree of the leaders in the council area.

He told the leaders to ensure adequate mobilization of eligible voters across the room and cranny of the local government to secure victory for the party.

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“The job now belongs to you; mobilize, go to market places and speak to at least ten persons, convince them to come out to vote.

“If you are able to convince at least ten persons each, it becomes clear that we would be able to win Oluku Ward.

“But, if you hear the message of this campaign but decide to stand by the strength of your family alone, that is not what we expect of you,” he said.

Idahosa reminded the people of the developmental strides of Governor Monday Governor in the local government within such such short time in office.

He counselled Ekiadolor community not to waste their votes in support of opponents of the APC who do not know how to navigate the complexities of federal politics.

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According to him, “A vote for Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion as the Ovia federal constituency representative at the August 16 bye-election will expedite mass development.”

At Ofumwengbe community, he said the biggest project he had at hand was the presentation of the party’s candidate to the people and called for support.

“I can vouch for her, i know she would be able to perform more than I did while at the House of representatives,” he said.

Idahosa noted that Ofumwengbe is a known APC stronghold and was merely on ground for the campaign for formality sake.

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He said that he expected nothing short of a 100 percent votes here.

On her part, the APC candidate said her venture into politics was to see to the development of the federal constituency.

“I decided to step into politics and represent the people of Ovia federal constituency as I want to see its growth and development.

“I want to see better roads and better schools, I want to see better healthcare and electrification where there is none. I want to see water where there is none.

“I also want to see empowerment where there is none and farmers getting better deals as well as bring the dividends of democracy down to Ovia from Abuja.

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“I want to stand and legislate, make laws to ensure our country is safer and conducive for all the future generations, which is why I am here soliciting for your votes as I assure you – any one contesting against me is a learner,” she said.

Former deputy governor of the state, Lucky Imasuen commended Idahosa for his leadership role.

He said, “Governor Monday Okpebholo never made a mistake in making you his deputy.”

He called Omosede “a brand” whose presence at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly would open doors for the constituency.

Simirlarly, Dr. Pius Odubu, former deputy governor, counseled admonished the people on issue based campaign.