By Ayomide Otitoju
The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan should not expect a “free ride” to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in 2027.
The group was reacting to comments credited to Professor Jerry Gana suggesting Jonathan’s possible return on the PDP platform. GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, said the party’s flagbearer would only emerge through an open and transparent primary in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
“Only PDP delegates to the national convention can pick the party’s flagbearer, and ultimately God Almighty will determine the outcome, not a few party stalwarts,” Hamzat said.
He argued that Jonathan represents an “old order” Nigerians are ready to leave behind, citing mismanagement of diversity, ethnic tensions, and religious divisions under his administration.
Hamzat also criticized Jonathan’s foreign policy record, particularly Nigeria’s decision in 2011 to back NATO’s intervention in Libya, calling it a “strategic blunder” that destabilized the Sahel and worsened insecurity across West Africa.
On the domestic front, he insisted Jonathan still has questions to answer regarding corruption scandals, including the Dasukigate arms procurement saga.
Hamzat stressed that the PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement. He maintained that only fresh leadership with a unifying vision, such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, could drive Nigeria forward.
“The only way forward is forward, not backward,” he declared.
