The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Northern Support Group, a coalition of loyalists and affiliate organizations within the opposition party, has formally endorsed former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
This decision was part of key resolutions reached at the group’s 8th meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, between Wednesday and Thursday, October 8–9, 2025.
The meeting drew participants from all 19 northern states to deliberate on the state of the PDP and strategies to reposition it ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by Hon. Yusuf Abubakar, the Northern Coordinator, and Hon. Adamu Ahmed Narayi, the North-West Zonal Secretary, the group described Jonathan as a symbol of peace, unity, and progress, lauding his maturity and sacrifice in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
The coalition also dismissed lingering debates over his eligibility to contest again, asserting that the matter has long been settled.
“There is no going back on Goodluck Jonathan to redeem our party’s image in 2027. He remains a loyal party man who never abandoned the PDP and continues to command respect across the country,” the statement added.
The group urged the PDP to launch an aggressive and coordinated media campaign, particularly in the North, to promote Jonathan’s candidacy and highlight the benefits of his return to power.
The group reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of the PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum.
It also commended Damagum’s ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring unity and cohesion within 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,” the communiqué stated.
However, the communiqué expressed concern over what it described as the “negative conduct” of some party leaders and elders allegedly working against unity and reconciliation within the PDP.
It accused certain members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of engaging in anti-party activities and having “divided loyalties.”
The group specifically mentioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of undermining party unity through divisive actions.
“Minister Nyesom Wike’s actions have been detrimental to the PDP’s unity despite his claims of being a member. His continued recruitment of party members to sow discord is unacceptable and must be addressed decisively,” the communiqué declared.
The PDP Northern Support Group called on Ambassador Damagum to institute disciplinary measures against stakeholders sabotaging reconciliation efforts or collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reaffirming the group’s commitment to the supremacy of the party, the communiqué emphasized that its loyalty lies with leaders who are genuinely committed to rebuilding the PDP into a strong and cohesive political force.
“The PDP retains strong grassroots support across the North. The party must seize this opportunity to rebuild its structures, restore its lost glory, and take bold steps to ensure unity, discipline, and progress,” it concluded.
