A prominent chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, has dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will retain its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 elections, warning that such a move would be a “sweet victory” for the opposition.
Prof. Gana, a former Minister of Information and Director of MAMSER (Mass Mobilisation for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery) under former military president Ibrahim Babangida, made the remarks while speaking to journalists over the weekend after delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Reunion of the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) in Kaduna.
Responding to reporters who suggested that the Muslim-Muslim ticket had “come to stay,” Gana laughed off the idea and replied sarcastically, “Has it come to stay? Has it come to stay? I wish they will make that mistake it will be a sweet victory for the opposition.”
The event, themed “Leading From The Front – The Role of Christian Elders,” brought together Christian leaders to deliberate on the need for moral and visionary leadership in Nigeria.
While Gana did not elaborate on how such a ticket would benefit the opposition, he emphasized that Nigeria’s progress depends on quality leadership, insisting that the nation is yet to experience its best leaders.
“Nigeria deserves the best. Leaders don’t just emerge; they are deliberately raised. We must identify men and women of integrity, honour, and wisdom to lead us to the promised land,” he stated.
The PDP stalwart vowed that his party would prioritize excellence and character in selecting candidates for the 2027 general elections across all levels governorship, National Assembly, and presidential contests.
“We will insist that our candidates must be people of character and competence. Only excellent leaders can transform this nation,” he added.
Prof. Gana also charged Christian elders to play an active role in mentoring and raising the next generation of leaders, noting that effective leadership is the cornerstone of national progress.
In his welcome address at the HEKAN Church venue, Gana lamented the decline in leadership quality across the country and urged Nigerians to support visionary and accountable leaders who can unlock Nigeria’s vast economic potential.
“Good leaders must open doors for clean, legitimate investments and dismantle oppressive gatekeepers who frustrate progress,” he said.
“Nigeria has the resources to thrive; what we need are courageous and godly leaders with integrity and capacity.”
He concluded by calling for prayers and collective effort to raise a new breed of transformational leaders who would steer Nigeria toward prosperity and justice.
