PDP Faction Submits Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Name to INEC as 2027 Presidential Candidate

PDP Faction Nominates Jonathan for 2027 Presidency

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced that it has submitted the name of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The declaration was made at a press conference late Thursday by Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of the party’s Interim National Working Committee. Ememobong said INEC acknowledged receipt of the documents, even though the faction alleges 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 requisitioned National Executive Committee meeting to create an interim leadership structure.

After INEC reportedly 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, claiming it conflicts with earlier rulings from the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal that underpin the faction’s case.

He added that the faction has appealed the judgment and remains confident that the appellate court will uphold the earlier decisions. The group also alleged irregularities in the Certified True Copy of the judgment, asserting that parts of the document do not accurately reflect the ruling delivered in open court.

Ememobong accused INEC of failing to stay neutral in PDP matters, saying the commission ignored material facts and court orders favourable to the party. He warned that if INEC eventually publishes names different from those submitted by the faction, it would reinforce public concerns about the commission’s impartiality and suggest it is seeking to weaken the opposition.

The spokesman urged party members and supporters not to lose confidence, stating the faction will continue to pursue legal and constitutional remedies. He described the dispute as part of a broader struggle to prevent the erosion of opposition politics and the emergence of a one‑party state.

Ememobong expressed confidence that the courts will ultimately resolve the leadership dispute in the faction’s favour, noting that its members are prepared to see the matter through to conclusion. He also warned against what he termed “electoral authoritarianism,” insisting that democratic institutions should not be used to suppress opposition parties.