The prospect of former President Goodluck Jonathan contesting the 2027 presidential election remains uncertain.

This was disclosed by Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi, Chairman of the South-South Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), adding that the party is not aware of such intentions.

Speaking with The Guardian in Asaba on Monday, Ogidi stated that the party’s immediate priority is its upcoming convention and the election of a new executive committee (Exco), and not the general elections.

“For now, he is still an elder statesman, a former president, and a member of the PDP — that is all. We don’t know anything about him gunning for president. How will I know that? He has not been coming to meetings. It is only when he attends that we will know whether he is contesting or not,” Ogidi said

While expressing personal support for Jonathan should he eventually decide to run, Ogidi emphasised that such discussions were premature. “If he comes on board, I will support him because every party man will always support any member gunning for election. But we are not talking about that now,” he said.

Ogidi stressed that the PDP is currently focused on rebuilding its internal structures, starting with the convention to elect a new leadership.
“We are talking about our convention to get the new Exco that will drive the process. We can’t be talking about a presidential election that is not this year — not even next year,” he added.

Taking a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogidi said the PDP remains committed to due process and respects the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Don’t you listen to what INEC said? Or do you want us to be like APC, which doesn’t respect INEC? No, PDP respects the law,” he said.

Commenting on the party’s strength in Delta State, Ogidi described the PDP as “an Iroko tree,” noting that although it may seem to be shedding leaves, it remains deeply rooted. “Very soon, the branches will sprout back to life,” he declared.

He also revealed that the party will soon announce a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the PDP in Delta State, ahead of a congress to elect new state executive committee members.