”Professor Jerry Gana doesn’t speak for the PDP” – PDP disowns Jerry Gana’s comment on Jonathan ‘presidential bid’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed remarks by former Information Minister Jerry Gana suggesting that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election on its platform.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba clarified that Gana spoke for himself and not the party. The presidency had earlier condemned Gana’s comments as “absurd,” accusing him of pushing personal and ethnic interests.

While Jonathan recently attended an African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition meeting, he has remained silent on speculation over his 2027 plans.

“Professor Jerry Gana doesn’t speak for the PDP. I don’t also speak for professor Jerry Gana,” Ologunagba said. “People can express their opinion. But I will emphasise this.” Ologunagba noted that Jonathan remains a PDP member but has never publicly declared any intention to run. He added that the party has “eminently qualified Nigerians, particularly at the governors’ level, who have done exceedingly well” and are capable of stepping forward when the time comes. “So, I don’t speak for President Jonathan. I don’t speak for Jerry Gana, with all due respect,” he said. “But our party is focused on our convention, and when we get to that bridge, we’ll cross it.”