PDP Faction Submits Goodluck Jonathan’s Name to INEC for 2027 Presidency
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced that it has 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.
Speaking at a press conference late Thursday, Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, said INEC had acknowledged receipt of the submission documents. He added that the faction was allegedly denied access to the electronic submission codes required by the commission.
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 via members’ requisition — to establish an interim leadership structure.
After INEC reportedly refused to recognise the interim leadership despite being notified of its formation and receiving follow‑up reminders, the faction approached the Federal High Court in Abuja. Ememobong criticised a recent ruling by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, claiming it conflicted with earlier decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which underpin the faction’s legal position.
He stated that the faction has appealed the judgment and remains confident that the appellate court will uphold the prior rulings. 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 further accused INEC of abandoning its neutrality in PDP matters, saying the commission has 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 create the perception that it is supporting efforts to weaken the opposition.
The spokesman urged party members and supporters not to lose confidence, insisting the faction will continue to pursue legal and constitutional remedies. He framed 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 described as “electoral authoritarianism,” stressing that democratic institutions should not be used to suppress opposition parties.
