PDP Northern Support Group backs Jonathan for 2027, reaffirms confidence in Damagum

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Northern Support Group has thrown its weight behind former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying his return would redeem the image of the opposition party and restore unity among its ranks.

The group, a coalition of party loyalists and affiliate organisations across the 19 northern states, made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 8th meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, between Wednesday and Thursday, October 8 and 9, 2025.

Reading the communiqué, the Northern Coordinator of the group, Hon. Yusuf Abubakar, said members unanimously reaffirmed their confidence in the leadership of the PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, for his ongoing efforts to reconcile aggrieved members and reposition the party.

“We remain optimistic that the PDP is not beyond redemption. With genuine commitment and collective sacrifice, our great party will reclaim power at the national level and in other states currently under the APC,” Abubakar stated.

He added that the group was convinced that former President Jonathan remained “a symbol of peace, unity and progress” and urged all PDP stakeholders to rally behind his aspiration for 2027.

“There is no going back on Goodluck Jonathan as the man to redeem our party’s image in 2027. He has consistently demonstrated maturity and sacrifice in safeguarding Nigeria’s stability and has never abandoned the PDP,” Abubakar declared.

The group also dismissed controversies surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility to contest again, insisting that “the issue has long been addressed, and the opposition can no longer use that to stop him.”

In the communiqué jointly signed by Hon. Abubakar and the group’s North-West Zonal Secretary, Hon. Adamu Ahmed Narayi, the PDP Northern Support Group called for “an aggressive and coordinated media campaign, particularly in the North,” to enlighten Nigerians about the benefits of a Jonathan presidency.

However, the group expressed concern over what it described as “the negative conduct of certain party leaders and elders” allegedly working against the unity and progress of the PDP.

“We are disturbed that some elements within the National Working Committee, out of selfish interest, are working to derail the party’s progress,” the communiqué read.

The group particularly accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of “divisive and detrimental actions” within the party.

“Wike’s continued recruitment of party members to sow discord is unacceptable and must be addressed decisively,” it stated.

While commending ongoing reconciliation efforts, the group urged the National Chairman to institute disciplinary measures against members found engaging in anti-party activities or working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Some of these individuals openly collaborate with the APC-led government under President Bola Tinubu while pretending to build the PDP,” the communiqué alleged.

The group reaffirmed that the PDP retains “strong grassroots support across the North” and called for renewed focus on rebuilding party structures and restoring its lost glory.

“Our loyalty goes to committed leadership working to build a cohesive and progressive PDP,” the statement concluded.