SHEHU SANI, Former Kaduna Central Senator
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has taken a swipe at efforts by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race, describing the move as a desperate attempt to revive a struggling political platform.
Sani, who made his position known through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, argued that the PDP’s sudden interest in Jonathan raises questions about the party’s political strategy and long-term vision. According to him, if the opposition party genuinely believed Jonathan remained its strongest option, it should have presented him as its candidate during the 2023 presidential election when the PDP was still in a better position to challenge for power.
His comments came after reports emerged that a PDP faction led by Kabiru Turaki had adopted Jonathan as its preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, Sani suggested that the endorsement reflects the faction’s growing desperation rather than confidence in Jonathan’s ability to lead the party back to victory.
“If they actually wanted GEJ, they should have fielded him in 2023 when the party was relatively alive and in good shape,” Sani wrote.
He went further with a striking metaphor that has since generated conversations across political circles, saying, “They just now want him to help them carry the coffin.”
The remark has been widely interpreted as a reflection of the PDP’s internal challenges and declining political fortunes. Once Nigeria’s dominant political force, the party has struggled in recent years with internal divisions, defections, leadership disputes, and disappointing electoral performances.
For supporters of the Jonathan project, the former president’s national appeal and political experience could help reposition the PDP ahead of the next election cycle. However, critics argue that turning to a former leader may expose the party’s inability to nurture fresh faces and present a new direction to voters.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the endorsement, Jonathan has yet to publicly indicate whether he is interested in returning to the presidential race. His silence has left many observers speculating about his next political move.
Meanwhile, reports that some key PDP figures, including Bala Mohammed, have distanced themselves from discussions surrounding a possible Jonathan ticket have further highlighted divisions within the opposition camp.
As political activities gradually build toward the 2027 elections, the PDP’s internal calculations are expected to remain under close scrutiny. With economic pressures, governance concerns, and growing public expectations shaping national discourse, opposition parties face increasing pressure to offer credible alternatives and clear leadership direction.
For now, Shehu Sani’s “carry the coffin” comment has added another layer to the debate over Jonathan’s possible return, raising a critical question: can the former president breathe new life into the PDP, or is the party relying too heavily on nostalgia at a time when many Nigerians are demanding fresh ideas and renewed political leadership?
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