The Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially opened its 2027 presidential race to all qualified aspirants from southern Nigeria, including former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The announcement was made during a high-profile meeting on Tuesday night at the Abuja residence of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, attended by PDP National Chairman Tanimu Turaki.
Speaking at the meeting, Turaki emphasized that while it is too early to predict who will emerge as the party’s flag bearer, the PDP is committed to a free, fair, and transparent primary process.
“So, if for whatever reason anybody wants to contest, we want to assure Nigerians that they will be the deciders of who becomes their candidate,” Turaki said.
The PDP chairman clarified that the contest will be open to all party members of southern Nigerian origin, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants. “It is open to every member of the PDP living in southern Nigeria or of southern Nigerian descent. The process is going to be open, transparent, fair, equitable, and it will create a level playing field for everybody,” he added.
By restricting the presidential ticket to southern candidates, the PDP effectively clears the path for former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent southern political figures to vie for the party’s nomination.
Turaki also expressed satisfaction with a recent Federal Capital Territory High Court ruling that dismissed a suit filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a factional National Secretary of the PDP. Justice Mohammed Umar ruled against Anyanwu, who had sought official recognition as the party’s National Secretary.
Describing the judgment as a major victory for the party, Turaki said it reaffirmed the PDP’s internal discipline and commitment to due process. Observers note that the ruling strengthens the position of the Turaki-led leadership as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.
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