APC Mocks PDP’s Alleged Plan to Field Jonathan in 2027, Predicts Easy Victory for Tinubu

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has ridiculed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over reports suggesting that the opposition is considering former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

With some northern elites and politicians expressing dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, there have been calls for Jonathan’s return to power. However, the APC dismissed the notion, labeling it as a sign of desperation.

Speaking in an interview with the Punch, Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Director of Publicity, warned that if Jonathan accepts the challenge to run against Tinubu under the PDP’s banner in the next election, he would face another resounding defeat.

Ibrahim stated, “Discussing 2027 at this point is not only premature but a misguided calculation. The President has yet to complete even 40 percent of his mandate under the APC. There is no reason for the APC to be concerned about such a plan to bring Jonathan back into the race.

“The APC defeated him while he was in power. Defeating him when he’s out of power would be even easier. This is not something that will cause the party any anxiety. Anyone making such a prediction needs to reconsider; we are not worried.

“Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it. It’s far too early to talk about 2027. But even if you bring 10 former President Jonathans, they still won’t be able to defeat the APC today.”

When it was suggested that the APC’s 2015 victory over Jonathan was largely due to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s widespread support, Ibrahim responded with laughter.

“The truth is, the APC defeated Goodluck Jonathan when Tinubu was the party’s leader. The APC will defeat him again now that Tinubu is both the President and party leader. It wasn’t just Buhari’s support that made the difference; it was the party’s strategy. Buhari didn’t run as an independent candidate.

“Forget about the current political maneuverings. When the time comes, the APC will present its candidate in a way that resonates with the people, and I’m confident the people will support it. But it’s too early to be discussing this now. Politicians are known for stirring the pot early to stay relevant, but in a four-year term, the President has only completed slightly over one year, and already there’s talk of a successor.

“Democracy allows for testing the waters, but the APC will act when the time is right,” Ibrahim concluded.