- ….says PDP ffering Nigeria a credible alternative
By Christiana Ekpa
A member of the House of Representatives, Fredrick Agbedi, has thrown his weight behind the possible presidential candidacy of former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that both the former leader and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deserve commendation rather than criticism.
Speaking on the Morning Show of Arise Television, monitored in Abuja, on Wednesday, Agbedi maintained that Jonathan has every constitutional right to seek elective office in 2027 if he chooses to do so.
The Bayelsa lawmaker said the PDP had made significant progress in its efforts to draft the former president into the race, expressing confidence that Jonathan’s entry would boost the party’s chances of returning to power.
According to him, Nigerians still hold Jonathan in high regard because of what he described as the former president’s record of transformation while in office.
Agbedi disclosed that the party had advanced discussions regarding Jonathan’s candidacy, claiming that processes connected to his emergence had reached an advanced stage.
“The PDP has spoken severally about Jonathan running and it has almost completed all the processes. The formal handing over of the certificates of returns is in my custody to be presented to Jonathan,” he said.
The lawmaker argued that public service requires sacrifice and that experienced leaders should not be discouraged from contributing to national development when called upon.
He maintained that if the PDP considers Jonathan the right person to help address Nigeria’s current challenges, the party should be applauded for presenting what he described as a capable option to voters.
Agbedi further contended that Nigerians are eager to see Jonathan return to national leadership, insisting that the former president’s involvement could strengthen the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general election.
“If Jonathan will sacrifice for the betterment of Nigeria and people are saying he shouldn’t do that, where do you expect him to go and serve?” he asked.
The remarks add to growing political discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential race, with speculation continuing over whether Jonathan will formally declare an interest in seeking the PDP ticket.
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