Party Warns Against “Heating Up the Polity” With Premature Campaigns
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed suggestions that former President Goodluck Jonathan could stage a political comeback in 2027, describing recent comments on the matter as “political theatre” and “nostalgic cheerleading.”
The reaction follows remarks credited to Prof. Jerry Gana, a former Minister of Information, during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Niger State congress in Minna, where he was quoted as saying Jonathan “will contest” and “should be brought back” to the presidency.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday by its spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo, Lagos APC said it respected the right of individuals and parties to make political declarations, but stressed that elections are “contests of ideas, competence and delivery – not nostalgia or recycled rhetoric.”
The ruling party accused Prof. Gana of overreaching himself by allegedly attempting to dictate the PDP’s choice of presidential candidate. “By arrogating to himself the sole power to determine the presidential candidate of a whole political party, he has exposed the PDP’s chronic disdain for internal democracy,” the statement read.
The APC further argued that any move to draft Jonathan into the 2027 race would amount to luring him into a “final dance whose result is all too predictable,” citing what it described as “legal hurdles, past records, and fundamental questions of capacity.”
“Former President Jonathan will need more than an overdose of good luck to stand a chance,” Oladejo said, warning PDP leaders against embarking on “lawless campaigns” before the official commencement of electioneering.
While acknowledging Jonathan’s peaceful conduct during the 2015 elections, Lagos APC maintained that his democratic legacy should be protected, not jeopardised by another attempt at power.
The party contrasted PDP’s position with what it called APC’s “firm commitment to internal democracy and transparent nomination processes,” and reiterated its support for President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms.
“Since 2023, Nigerians have been witnessing major policy shifts and bold reforms aimed at revitalising the economy, attracting investment, and expanding social interventions,” the statement added. “We will continue to defend policies that prioritise the future over the past.”
Lagos APC urged opposition parties to focus on providing “clear, implementable programmes” to address pressing national issues such as food security, power supply, transportation, security, and youth employment.
“Voters should judge parties by records and plans,” the party concluded. “If the PDP truly believes Mr. Jonathan is the solution, they should lay out specific, detailed policy proposals instead of making pronouncements that sound like campaign hype.”
