A member of the House of Representatives representing Bayelsa State, Fredrick Agbedi, has defended efforts by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to encourage former President Goodluck Jonathan to return to active politics, insisting that Nigerians should commend the party rather than criticise the move.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Agbedi maintained that Jonathan remains constitutionally eligible to contest any elective office and has every right to answer the call to serve the nation if he chooses to do so.
The lawmaker disclosed that preparations within the PDP regarding Jonathan’s possible participation in the 2027 presidential race had reached an advanced stage.
According to him, the former President’s Certificate of Return is currently in his possession and awaits formal presentation to Jonathan.
“The PDP has consistently spoken about Jonathan’s potential return, and virtually all necessary processes have been concluded. The Certificate of Return is in my custody and will be presented to him,” Agbedi stated.
He argued that national service requires sacrifice and commitment from citizens, particularly leaders with proven records of performance and experience.
Agbedi noted that Jonathan’s administration recorded significant achievements during his tenure and suggested that the former President could once again contribute to addressing Nigeria’s current challenges if given the opportunity.
“As citizens, we all have a responsibility to make sacrifices for our country. If the PDP believes Jonathan is the right person to help steer Nigeria out of its present difficulties, Nigerians should appreciate both the party and Jonathan for being willing to serve,” he said.
The Bayelsa lawmaker further stressed that Jonathan’s decision to contest, if eventually confirmed, would be under the platform of the PDP and should be viewed as a legitimate democratic choice.
“If Jonathan decides to make that sacrifice for the betterment of Nigeria, I don’t see why anyone should oppose it. He is offering to serve his country, and that should be respected,” Agbedi added.
The comments come amid increasing political discussions surrounding the 2027 general elections and growing speculation about the possible return of former President Jonathan to the nation’s political scene.
AIV NEWS reports that while Jonathan has yet to publicly declare his intention to contest, conversations about his potential candidacy continue to generate significant interest across political circles in the country.
