By Alabi Oluwasore
The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not be granted an automatic presidential ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 elections. The group stressed that any aspirant, including Jonathan, must go through a transparent primary process in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
The warning followed remarks by Prof. Jerry Gana, who suggested that Jonathan could stage a comeback on the PDP platform. But GHSM’s National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, dismissed the idea of a “free ride,” insisting that party delegates alone can choose the flagbearer, not a few influential figures.
For Jonathan, the odds are stacked high. His administration remains linked to controversies, including the Dasukigate arms scandal, which continues to shadow his political legacy. Critics also recall his decision in 2011 to back NATO’s intervention in Libya against the African Union’s position, a move now widely seen as a strategic blunder that destabilized the Sahel and worsened insecurity across Nigeria and its neighbors.
Beyond policy missteps, Jonathan faces the challenge of perception. Many Nigerians now see his era as part of the “old order” marked by mismanagement of diversity, ethnic division, and corruption allegations. This sentiment plays into the demand for “fresh leadership” and a new vision for the country.
The situation also reflects deeper cracks within the PDP itself. The opposition party has struggled to project a unifying figure capable of rallying Nigerians ahead of 2027. While Jonathan remains a familiar face, the pushback against his possible return signals that the PDP may be unwilling to recycle old leaders, no matter their past influence.
It is important to note, however, that Jonathan still retains a network of loyalists who believe his experience could stabilize the nation. Yet, as GHSM’s position shows, nostalgia is no substitute for the democratic process. If Jonathan chooses to run, he will have to compete openly against newer aspirants like Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who represent a fresh direction for the party.
In the end, the PDP’s rejection of an automatic ticket for Jonathan underscores a broader truth: Nigeria’s future cannot rest solely on the shoulders of yesterday’s leaders. Democracy demands open competition, accountability, and fresh ideas. Whether Jonathan can overcome these odds and convince delegates remains uncertain but what is clear is that the road back to Aso Rock will not be an easy one.
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