PDP Faction Submits Jonathan’s Name to INEC
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that it forwarded the name of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The move comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the party.
Statement from the Interim National Working Committee
Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, addressed reporters on Thursday evening. He said INEC had acknowledged receipt of the submission 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, pointing to a Supreme Court judgment that left the party without a legally recognised national authority. He said this vacuum prompted the Board of Trustees and a National Executive Committee meeting, convened by members’ requisition, to establish an interim leadership structure.
Legal Actions and Court Allegations
After INEC allegedly refused to recognise the interim leadership despite being notified of its formation, the faction approached the Federal High Court in Abuja. Ememobong criticised a recent judgment by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, asserting that it conflicted with earlier rulings from the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which underpin the faction’s case.
The faction has appealed the judgment and expressed confidence that the appellate court will uphold the prior decisions. It also alleged irregularities in the Certified True Copy of the judgment, claiming that parts of the document do not accurately reflect the ruling delivered in open court.
Accusations of INEC Bias
Ememobong accused INEC of failing to remain neutral in PDP affairs, alleging that the commission ignored material facts and court orders favourable to the party. He warned that if INEC publishes a different list of candidates, it would reinforce public concerns about the commission’s impartiality and suggest it is supporting efforts to weaken the opposition.
He urged party members and supporters to retain confidence, stating that the faction will continue to pursue legal and constitutional remedies. Ememobong framed the dispute as part of a broader struggle to prevent the erosion of opposition politics and the emergence of a one‑party state.
Commitment to the Judicial Process
Despite INEC’s refusal to provide the necessary access codes, the faction said it successfully submitted the candidate list manually, in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026. Ememobong warned against “electoral authoritarianism,” stressing that democratic institutions must not be used to suppress opposition parties.
He expressed confidence that the courts will ultimately resolve the leadership dispute in the faction’s favour, adding that its members are prepared to see the matter through to its conclusion.
