Here’s a paraphrased version with minimal changes:
The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Debo Olugunagba, clarified that his recent comments about former President Goodluck Jonathan were misunderstood.
Olugunagba made the clarification during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday.
He explained that the PDP constitution permits any member in good standing to aspire for any position, including the presidency.
This comes after former Minister of Information and Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, revealed that Jonathan plans to run again in 2027 as the PDP’s presidential candidate.
However, Olugunagba pointed out that while the party has zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, no decision has been made to limit the contest only to governors.
He stressed that he was not speaking on behalf of the party about its final choice of candidate but emphasized that all eligible members remain qualified to run.
Olugunagba stated: “Regarding your question and the comments by Professor Jerry Gana, I’m glad you noted that it is his opinion. He is a former party official and founding father, so we respect his views. That is the beauty of democracy.
“Within the PDP, we have freedom of expression, and those views remain opinions until the party makes an official decision, which will then be communicated.
“There is some misunderstanding among party members and Nigerians, sometimes fueled by misinformation. The PDP is governed by its constitution, which we follow strictly. Any member can aspire to any position, including the presidency, and notably, the party has zoned the ticket to the South.
“Goodluck Jonathan is still a party member in good standing, so he has every right to aspire to any position. I have no reason to believe otherwise.
“What I meant was that aside from Jonathan’s name being mentioned, there are many other highly qualified members within the party, including governors, who have shown strong leadership and achievement.
“That is the main point I wanted to make. I was not speaking on behalf of the party about its choice. If the candidate does come from among the governors, they are also highly qualified”
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