Jonathan emerges PDP faction presidential candidate

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emerged as the presidential candidate of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Jonathan’s nomination was ratified on Saturday during a special national convention organised by the faction led by Kabiru Turaki in Abuja.

Although the former president was absent from the event, his certificate of return was received on his behalf by Fred Agbedi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Bayelsa State.

The convention was initially scheduled to hold at the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja. However, the organisers were forced to relocate after police officers blocked access roads leading to the venue.

The development followed a directive by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) instructing hotels and event centres to deal only with political party leaderships recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The PDP faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is currently recognised by INEC.

Following the disruption, party officials moved the convention to the faction’s office in Area 10, Garki District, where delegates eventually ratified Jonathan’s candidacy.

The Turaki-led faction said a date for the formal presentation of the party’s flag to Jonathan would be announced later.