Former President Goodluck Jonathan
By OLA MODUPE, Lagos
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has taken a swipe at the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cautioning its leaders against dragging former President Goodluck Jonathan back into the political spotlight ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, issued the statement on Tuesday in response to remarks made by PDP chieftain, Prof. Jerry Gana, who suggested during the party’s Niger State Congress in Minna that Jonathan would make a return bid for the presidency.
Oladejo urged the PDP to allow the former president enjoy his retirement in peace, rather than what he described as an “ill-advised attempt to lure him into a final political dance.”
> “Dr. Jonathan deserves to enjoy the dignity of retirement,” Oladejo said. “Pushing him back into a contest whose outcome is already predictable does him no favours.”
He added that even if Jonathan were to consider running, he would face “formidable hurdles—legally, politically, and in terms of public perception.”
> “If he does throw his hat in the ring, he’ll need far more than an overdose of good luck to make it through,” Oladejo quipped.
*“This Isn’t About Nostalgia”*
The APC spokesman described Gana’s comments as “political theatre,” accusing the PDP of recycling outdated rhetoric instead of offering fresh, practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
> “Elections are not sentimental reruns,” he said. “They’re about competence, vision, and the capacity to deliver. Nigerians aren’t clamouring for the past—they’re asking for results.”
Oladejo also took a jab at Prof. Gana, questioning his continued political relevance after decades in the corridors of power with “no tangible legacy to show for it.”
> “We appreciate his sense of humour, but his statement was more entertaining than enlightening,” he added.
He further criticized Gana for acting as though he had the authority to anoint a presidential candidate for the PDP, describing it as a “blatant disregard for internal party democracy.”
*APC vs PDP: A Tale of Two Systems?*
The Lagos APC used the opportunity to draw a contrast between itself and the PDP, emphasizing that the ruling party remains committed to transparent nomination processes and internal democracy.
> “Unlike the PDP, we don’t operate on the basis of backroom decisions or pre-arranged candidacies,” Oladejo said.
He warned that early campaign declarations like Gana’s could violate electoral guidelines and unnecessarily raise political tensions before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) gives the green light for formal campaigning.
> “Let’s not overheat the polity. There’s a time and place for campaigns—and this isn’t it,” he said.
*Focus on the Present, Not a Romanticised Past*
Highlighting recent policy reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oladejo said the current administration is focused on economic revitalization, attracting investments, and expanding social safety nets.
> “This government is making bold moves to fix what was broken. We’re focused on infrastructure, job creation, and lifting people out of poverty—not political nostalgia,” he stressed.
He urged Nigerians to judge political parties based on concrete achievements and actionable plans, not on familiar names or sentimental appeals.
> “If the PDP believes Jonathan is their best hope, then let them present detailed policy proposals to back that up. Campaign slogans won’t cut it anymore,” Oladejo said.
The Lagos APC reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s economic and social agenda, calling on all political actors to move beyond personality politics and instead prioritize programs that truly address the country’s urgent challenges.
