The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed that former President Goodluck Jonathan and other qualified members from Southern Nigeria are eligible to contest the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
The National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Tanimu Turaki clarified while speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with former Vice President of Nigeria, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo, at his Abuja residence.
Turaki said the visit was part of a nationwide consultation by the party’s newly elected leadership following the PDP National Elective Convention held in Ibadan.
According to him, the delegation included members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BOT) led by its chairman, founding members of the party, serving and former lawmakers, state chairmen, former governors, ministers, and other key stakeholders.
“We came to formally introduce the newly elected members of the National Working Committee to His Excellency and to brief him on developments in the party since our election,” Turaki said.
He noted that discussions during the meeting focused on the party’s prospects, internal challenges, and strategies for repositioning the PDP as a strong electoral force.
“His Excellency offered valuable advice and guidance on how to propel the PDP back to its winning ways,” he added.
Sambo Reaffirms Loyalty to PDP
Turaki disclosed that the former Vice President reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and pledged to play a more active role in party affairs.
“He assured us that he remains a loyal member of the PDP and will soon be more active. He also promised to be available whenever the party requires his support,” he said.
The PDP chairman expressed confidence that the party was regaining strength ahead of upcoming elections.
“The PDP remains the biggest and greatest political party in Africa. We are repositioning to win future elections, beginning with the FCT Area Council polls and the off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states,” Turaki stated.
Court Ruling Vindicates PDP Leadership
Reacting to the dismissal of the Samuel Anyanwu case by an FCT High Court, Turaki described the ruling as a vindication of the party’s leadership.
“This judgment confirms that the Supreme Court’s decision is final and that courts should not interfere in internal party matters,” he said.
He added that the ruling validated the legitimacy of the PDP’s national convention and leadership structure.
“A political party is governed by rules and discipline. Individuals cannot unilaterally assume leadership positions,” Turaki stressed.
Jonathan, Others Eligible for PDP Ticket
Addressing speculation over former President Jonathan’s 2027 ambition, Turaki reiterated that the PDP had zoned its presidential ticket to the South.
“The process will be open, transparent, fair, and equitable. Any PDP member from Southern Nigeria or of Southern extraction is free to contest. Nigerians will ultimately decide who emerges as our candidate,” he said.
Pending Court Cases
On concerns about delays in ongoing legal matters involving the party, Turaki explained that all necessary documents had been filed and that the next steps rested with the judiciary.
“At this point, it is entirely within the discretion of the President of the Court of Appeal to constitute the panel and determine how the appeals will be heard,” he said.
Turaki concluded that the PDP was fully prepared to proceed once hearing dates were fixed.