Fresh controversy has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over plans by a rival faction to endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
A faction of the party, backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, has distanced itself from the move, describing it as unauthorised and misleading.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said no recognised organ of the party had approved or scheduled such a convention.
He maintained that the party had already concluded its statutory primary elections for the presidency, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly positions in line with INEC guidelines, the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution.
Mohammed urged party members, supporters and the public to disregard reports of any convention aimed at affirming Jonathan’s candidacy, describing them as false and capable of creating unnecessary political tension.
The faction also called on former President, Goodluck Jonathan, to publicly dissociate himself from the planned event to protect the integrity of the democratic process and preserve his credibility.
It further urged security agencies to investigate those behind the reports and take appropriate action against individuals using the PDP’s name for unauthorised political activities.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, due process and the rule of law, the faction advised the public to rely only on official party channels for information regarding PDP affairs.
While the Turaki-led faction is pushing for Jonathan’s adoption, the Mohammed-led leadership had earlier endorsed former Senator Sandy Onor as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
