The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Debo Ologunagba, has stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan has the right to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Friday during an appearance on Arise Television, Olugunagba stated that the PDP constitution allows any member in good standing to aspire to any position, including the presidency.

He clarified that his recent remarks concerning Jonathan were taken out of context.

Ologunagba explained that he pointed out that there are candidates in the party who are also as qualified as Jonathan to contest the presidency.

He said, “The background to your question. But again, let me go straight with the comments that you reference to Professor Jerry Ghana. I’m glad that you said his opinion. And of course, he’s entitled to his… He’s a former official of this party and a founding father. Of course, we respect his view. That is the beauty of democracy.

“Under the PDP, we have the freedom to express our opinions. And of course, it remain as such. When the party takes a decision, then the decision of the party will be communicated.

“Let me put a premise here. There are misconception among party members, and, of course, by Nigerians and people sometimes try to misinform. The Peoples Democratic Party is governed by its constitution, and we follow that to the letter. Now anybody can aspire to be anything under the platform of the party and for the position of the presidency, of course, interestingly, the party has zoned it to the south.

“President Goodluck Jonathan is a member of the party. He has not said he’s not a member, so it’s within his right to aspire to any position if he’s in good standing with the party, and I have no reason to believe that he’s not in good standing.

“What I said was that, aside from the name of President Jonathan that is being bandied around and been mentioned, I said, in the rank of the PDP, there are many qualified, exceedingly qualified individuals among members of our party, among the governors of the party, and many of whom have demonstrated capacity in their performances and achievement.

“So that is the clearest case that is necessary to be made. I was not speaking for the party. To the extent that the party has taken a decision that the presidential candidate will come from among the rank of the governors, but if it does come from among the rank of the governors, of course, they are qualified, and they are eminently so qualified.”