Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from reports alleging it planned to hold a convention to affirm former President Goodluck Jonathan as its 2027 presidential candidate, describing the claims as "false, misleading, and unauthorised". The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, in a statement on Friday, May 29, 2026, called on security agencies to investigate the source of the reports and prosecute those behind what the party described as "an attempt to create political tension and disrepute within the polity".
The denial came after a faction of the Interim National Working Committee (INWC) led by Tanimu Turaki announced plans to convene a convention in Abuja on Saturday, May 30, 2026, to formally endorse the former president as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The faction, which is yet to be recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had earlier granted Jonathan a waiver from screening, arguing that his previous service as deputy governor, governor, vice‑president and president automatically qualified him for the contest. The Turaki‑led group had also, two weeks earlier, declared Jonathan its sole presidential aspirant after he reportedly failed to appear before the party’s presidential screening committee for two consecutive days.
The PDP faction that issued the denial has concluded its own primary processes and last week screened and cleared Senator Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election. In its statement, the party urged Jonathan to publicly dissociate himself from the Turaki‑led faction’s move in order "to protect the integrity of the democratic process and preserve the credibility he earned while serving the nation". The party insisted that it had successfully concluded all its primary elections, including those for governorship, State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly and the presidency, in accordance with INEC guidelines, the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution. It warned that it would not fold its arms and allow the party to be "dragged into disrepute through falsehood, misinformation, and unauthorised political activities".
Meanwhile, former President Jonathan has not publicly confirmed whether he intends to return to active presidential politics. During a recent engagement with youth groups at his Abuja office, he said the presidential race was not a “computer game” and that he would consult widely before making any decision. His participation at the planned ratification convention on Saturday, therefore, remains uncertain. The Turaki‑led faction, however, has proceeded with its preparations, inviting party leaders, delegates and supporters to the A‑Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, for a special convention to ratify Jonathan’s nomination as its presidential candidate.
The development deepens the internal crisis within the PDP, with rival factions now laying claim to the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election cycle. The Independent National Electoral Commission has recognised the PDP faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which has already ratified Senator Sandy Onor as its candidate. The Turaki‑led faction continues to insist that its processes are legitimate and have called on the electoral body to recognise its structures. As the parties head towards the 2027 elections, the legal and political battles over the authentic leadership of the PDP are expected to intensify.
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