‘I Didn’t Hear It, And Even If I Did, I’m PDP Forever’ – Prof Gana Turns Down APC Invitation

Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, delivered one of the most decisive political statements of the year on Sunday night as he openly rejected calls to defect to the All Progressives Congress, declaring that he remains firmly rooted in the Peoples Democratic Party.Speaking during his 80th birthday celebration and book presentation in Abuja, Professor Gana stunned the hall when he responded to an APC chieftain’s public invitation asking him to consider joining the ruling party. The hall erupted as he stood his ground, insisting that not even age or shifting political tides could sway his loyalty.“I did not hear the invitation,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience. “And even if I heard it, I’m already too established in the PDP to go anywhere else. I am permanently PDP.”The gathering was attended by former governors, ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, religious leaders and party stalwarts from across Nigeria’s political divide. Despite the mix of ideologies in the room, Gana’s declaration was met with a loud ovation.The evening had earlier produced political drama as APC representatives extended a warm invitation to the elder statesman, praising his legacy and urging him to “join the winning side.” But PDP leaders quickly countered, boasting that the “new PDP” would soon become the platform for credible leadership driven by integrity rather than money politics.PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) reaffirmed that the rebranded PDP would restore transparency, fairness and justice in its internal processes, allowing credible figures like Gana to rise without having to spend billions. He announced major donations for the celebrant’s new book: ₦5 million personally, ₦5 million on behalf of former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara, and ₦20 million on behalf of the PDP, totaling ₦30 million.Speakers at the event lamented Nigeria’s deepening monetisation of politics, warning that the nation had “lost the opportunity of having President Jerry Gana” because political leadership had been hijacked by billionaires. They said aspiring leaders now require huge sums just to run for office, even at the local government level.Professor Gana, delivering an emotional address, thanked God for granting him “80 years of impactful life” and paid glowing tribute to his wife, Mrs. Mary Gana, and his family, describing them as the backbone of his success. He also appreciated the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the chief host, and leaders from both PDP and APC who honoured him.He singled out Senator Abdulaziz Yari, former Zamfara Governor and Chief Presenter of the book, praising him for demonstrating true national brotherhood beyond party lines.The elder statesman also recounted life-changing encounters from his years in public service, including how he helped a young Nigerian secure a long-sought meeting with the President—a moment that transformed the young man’s future.As the tributes poured in, Gana’s message remained consistent: Nigeria needs leaders of character, not wealth; politics must return to integrity; and his commitment to the PDP remains unshakable.“I am always with my party,” he said confidently. “We will continue working towards providing a credible alternative for Nigeria.”