Kabiru Turaki-Led PDP Ratifies Jonathan as 2027 Presidential Candidate Amid Abuja Convention Drama
The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially ratified former Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made during a Special National Convention of the party held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Abuja, despite heavy security presence and controversy surrounding the venue of the gathering.
According to excerpts released by the party and signed by the Interim National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, stakeholders of the party unanimously affirmed Jonathan after what they described as an emergency high-level meeting involving members of the Board of Trustees, Interim National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, state chairmen, governorship candidates, National Assembly candidates, and other party stakeholders.
The convention, which was originally scheduled to hold at the A Class Event Centre in Abuja, reportedly faced last-minute disruption after the management of the facility allegedly withdrew access following threats from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The PDP faction alleged that the event centre management informed them that the FCT Administration threatened to revoke the property’s Certificate of Occupancy and demolish the facility if the convention was allowed to proceed.
The party further claimed that by Friday evening, more than 20 truckloads of policemen had been deployed around the venue, effectively blocking access roads and creating tension in the area.
Despite the development, party leaders said they chose not to confront security operatives physically following appeals by elder statesmen within the party.
The statement noted that while the formal public presentation and flag presentation ceremony would be held at a later date, the convention successfully carried out its main objective which was the affirmation of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2027 election.
The party described the ratification as unanimous.
The Kabiru Turaki-led PDP also accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of enabling political intimidation and attempting to suppress opposition activities ahead of the next general elections.
According to the statement, the party believes the actions taken against its convention reflect what it called “fear” of the PDP by the ruling government.
The faction maintained that the party remains united and fully prepared for the 2027 elections, adding that the Interim National Working Committee has been directed to intensify preparations and mobilization nationwide.
The development marks a major political comeback attempt for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015 under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party.
