PDP Sets Date to Formally Announce Goodluck Jonathan as 2027 Presidential Candidate
The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled a special national convention in Abuja for Saturday to officially announce former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Invitations to the event were signed by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, and National Organizing Secretary, Theophilus Dakas Shan.
According to the invitation, the convention aims to finalize the endorsement process for Jonathan as the party’s flag‑bearer ahead of the next election.
This step follows a series of actions by the Turaki‑led faction to push Jonathan into the race, including a waiver approved by its screening committee in May.
The screening committee, chaired by former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, cleared Jonathan as the sole aspirant, citing his extensive public service record as deputy governor, governor, vice president and president.
After the screening, the faction held a presidential primary on Wednesday, paving the way for the ratification event set for Saturday.
The timing coincides with a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to contest in 2027.
Justice Peter Lifu dismissed a suit seeking to bar Jonathan from the race, ruling that the plaintiff lacked legal standing and had shown no personal loss from Jonathan’s potential candidacy.
The court also referenced earlier judgments from the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal that had already upheld Jonathan’s right to run.
The Turaki‑led faction welcomed the judgment, saying it removed all obstacles to Jonathan’s participation in its presidential primary and described the legal challenge as an abuse of the judicial process.
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