PDP Faction Declares Goodluck Jonathan 2027 Presidential Candidate, Presents Certificate Of Return In Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria — A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has declared former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The declaration was made on Saturday during a special national convention held at the faction’s national secretariat in Area 10, Garki, Abuja, amid ongoing disputes over the leadership and future direction of the opposition party.

Jonathan was absent from the convention where his nomination was formally ratified.

However, his Certificate of Return was received on his behalf by Bayelsa State lawmaker, Fred Agbedi, and later presented to former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, who accepted it on behalf of the former president.

The development was announced before party delegates, stakeholders, former ministers, state officials and supporters aligned with the Turaki-led faction of the PDP.

Speaking shortly after receiving the certificate, Gana addressed party supporters and journalists at the convention venue, describing the event as a significant step in the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The presentation by the PDP Interim National Working Committee led by Turaki has once again thrust Jonathan into the national political spotlight, fueling fresh discussions about his possible return to active electoral politics.

The former president, who governed Nigeria between 2010 and 2015, has not publicly commented on the nomination or indicated whether he would accept the candidacy.

Saturday’s development comes against the backdrop of persistent internal challenges within the PDP, including disagreements over party leadership, restructuring efforts and strategies for reclaiming power at the federal level in the next general election.