PDP Faction Submits Jonathan’s Name to INEC for 2027 Election
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally submitted the name of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Speaking at a press conference late Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, said INEC confirmed receipt of the documents, even though the faction claimed it was denied access to the electronic submission codes.
Ememobong argued that the faction represents the authentic leadership of the PDP, noting that a Supreme Court ruling left the party without a legally recognised national authority.
He explained that the vacuum prompted the Party’s Board of Trustees and a National Executive Committee meeting, called by members’ requisition, to establish an interim leadership structure.
After INEC reportedly refused to recognise this interim leadership despite being notified of its formation, the faction took the matter to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Ememobong also criticised a recent judgment by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, saying it contradicted earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which underpin the faction’s legal position.
He added that the faction has appealed the judgment and remains confident that the appellate court will uphold the earlier rulings, while also alleging that the certified true copy of the judgment released to the public omitted key parts of the open‑court ruling.
Furthermore, Ememobong accused INEC of abandoning its neutrality, claiming the commission ignored material facts and court orders favourable to the PDP, thereby creating an impression of institutional bias.
He warned that if INEC publishes a different list of candidates, it would reinforce concerns about the commission’s impartiality and suggest it is aiding efforts to weaken the opposition.
Despite these challenges, the spokesman urged party members to stay steadfast, saying the faction will continue to pursue legal and constitutional remedies to protect democratic competition.
Ememobong described the dispute as part of a broader struggle to prevent the erosion of opposition politics and the emergence of a one‑party state.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the courts will ultimately resolve the leadership controversy in the faction’s favour, adding that its members are prepared to see the matter through to its conclusion.
