The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to allow former President Goodluck Jonathan to enjoy his retirement rather than luring him into the 2027 presidential race.
APC spokesman Seye Oladejo gave the advice in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, reacting to remarks by PDP chieftain Prof. Jerry Gana, who declared that Jonathan would contest in 2027.
Oladejo said instead of dragging Jonathan into “a final dance whose result is all too predictable,” his supporters should let him rest.
“Indeed, if he chooses to run, President Jonathan will need more than an overdose of good luck to stand a chance. The landmines before him are numerous — legal, past records, and fundamental questions of capacity,” he stated.
He described Gana’s declaration at the PDP Niger State Congress in Minna as “premature and political theatre,” adding that elections should be about ideas, competence, and delivery — not nostalgia or recycled rhetoric.
Oladejo also questioned Gana’s relevance, saying he had been “around the corridors of power forever without leaving behind any remarkable legacy of transformation.”
The APC spokesman accused the PDP of disregarding internal democracy by allowing individuals to dictate candidates, contrasting it with the APC’s “transparent nomination process.”
He further warned against heating up the polity with early campaigns, stressing that such moves disregard due process.
Highlighting reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 2023, Oladejo said the APC remained committed to policies aimed at revitalising the economy, attracting investment, and creating jobs.
“Lagos APC stands firmly behind President Tinubu’s agenda. We call on all political actors to desist from divisive nostalgia and instead present clear, implementable programmes for the challenges Nigerians actually face,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to judge political parties by their records and practical plans rather than campaign hype.
