Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received former Kano State Governor and ex-national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, at his residence in Abuja. A video showing the meeting was shared on Wednesday, October 6, 2026. The meeting comes amid increased political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. Jonathan served as President of Nigeria from May 6, 2010, to May 29, 2015.
Ganduje served as Governor of Kano State from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, after previously serving as deputy governor under Rabiu Kwankwaso. He later became national chairman of the APC. The Abuja meeting has sparked speculation about their discussion, particularly with regards to the upcoming elections. Details of their conversation remain unknown.
Days ago, Jonathan expressed confidence in APC candidates contesting various positions in Bayelsa East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections. He made the remarks at his residence in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, when a delegation led by former Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.), visited him. The delegation included the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku.
The purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the APC candidates to Jonathan as a prominent political leader from Bayelsa East Senatorial District. While presenting the candidates, Jonah appealed to Jonathan and other stakeholders to support them, describing them as individuals with the capacity, experience and character needed to effectively represent their constituents. The candidates presented included Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, who is contesting for the Bayelsa East Senatorial District seat.
Several APC candidates for the Bayelsa State House of Assembly were also presented to the former president. They included Hon. Oteigbanyo George Braah for Nembe Constituency 1, Hon. Edward Brigidi Irigha for Nembe Constituency 2 and Hon. Alalibo West for Nembe Constituency 3. Others were Hon. Daniel Charles for Brass Constituency 1, Hon. Timi Agala for Brass Constituency 2 and Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere for Brass Constituency 3.
After the presentation, Jonathan acknowledged the quality of the candidates, saying virtually all of them were people who could be trusted based on their capacity, performance and experience. The former president subsequently gave the candidates his blessings and urged them to remain committed to serving the people if elected. Jonathan also advised the candidates to see politics as an opportunity to improve society rather than simply a contest for political positions.
Recall that in August, a faction of the PDP led by Kabiru Turaki submitted Jonathan’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate. INEC rejected the submission, insisting that candidate nominations must be made through its designated electronic platform. The development is a significant turn of events in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- Former President Goodluck Jonathan receives former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at his Abuja residence.
- Jonathan expresses confidence in APC candidates contesting various positions in Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
- A faction of the PDP submitted Jonathan’s name to INEC as its presidential candidate, but was rejected.
