The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ratified former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The ratification took place during a special national convention held in Abuja, where party leaders and delegates endorsed Jonathan as the party’s consensus candidate.
Speaking at the convention, Chairman of the Presidential Convention Planning Committee, Professor Jerry Gana, lamented what he described as the decline of democratic values in Nigeria and the internal crises that have continued to affect the PDP.
Gana, one of the founding members of the PDP, recalled the role played by political leaders in Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy in 1998. He noted that political stakeholders at the time insisted on the establishment of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a condition for participating in the transition programme.
According to him, the independence of the electoral body has diminished over the years, posing a threat to credible elections and democratic governance.
He also criticised what he described as attempts to frustrate the convention, alleging that security agencies had hindered the party’s activities.
“Whether they like it or not, democracy must survive. Good governance must survive. Nigerians deserve a better government, and that is why we are gathered here today to produce a presidential candidate who will lead our struggle,” Gana said.
The motion for the adoption of former President Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate was moved by the Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen’s Forum and Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi.
Aziegbemi said the endorsement reflected the collective decision of PDP state chairmen across the country.
“Having adopted President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as our sole presidential candidate, I hereby move that this special convention ratify the decision,” he stated.
The motion was seconded by Senator Mohammed Sanusi Dagash, who described Jonathan as the most suitable candidate to lead the party into the 2027 elections.
Following a voice vote, delegates unanimously ratified Jonathan’s candidacy.
The certificate of return was received on behalf of the former president by Hon. Fred Agbedi, who said it would be formally presented to Jonathan at a later date.
Addressing delegates after the ratification, Chairman of the PDP Interim National Working Committee, Tanimu Hassan Turaki maintained that the faction’s actions were in line with existing court judgements and the party’s constitution.
Turaki explained that the leadership structure emerged following decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which created vacancies that were subsequently filled by the party’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee.
He said the Independent National Electoral Commission had been duly informed of all meetings and activities leading to the convention.
“What we are doing today is in line with the judgement of the Supreme Court and the provisions of our constitution. INEC has been informed and is fully aware of the processes that have taken place,” he said.
Turaki expressed confidence that the party’s actions were lawful and would receive the necessary recognition.
He added that the presence of prominent party leaders and stakeholders at the convention demonstrated the seriousness and legitimacy of the process.
“We know what we are doing, and we are confident that everything will be done properly and in accordance with the law,” he stated.
