A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be affirmed as the party’s presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2027 general election.
The controversy emerged following claims that a faction of the opposition party planned to hold a convention in Abuja to formally endorse Jonathan as the party’s candidate. However, the Wike-backed leadership said no process had been approved to affirm a Jonathan presidential candidate arrangement and urged party members and the public to disregard the reports.
In a statement issued by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the group described the reports as false, misleading and unauthorised. According to the statement, no convention, meeting or official process had been scheduled or endorsed by the recognised leadership structures of the faction to affirm a Jonathan presidential candidate position for the 2027 election.
The faction further called on Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the reported endorsement plan. It argued that attempts to project the former president as a Jonathan presidential candidate without a recognised party process risked creating confusion within the party and the wider political environment.
The development reflects the continuing leadership dispute within the PDP, where rival blocs remain divided over party structures, conventions and preparations for future elections. One faction of the party is aligned with Wike and leaders supporting the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led structure, while another bloc linked to former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki, has continued to operate a separate leadership arrangement.
While the Wike-backed group rejected reports of a planned endorsement, the Turaki-led faction maintained that Jonathan remains a member of the party and is free to determine his political future. The rival bloc has also indicated support for internal processes that could potentially produce a Jonathan presidential candidate outcome if he decides to participate.
Speaking earlier on the issue, Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the interim leadership aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, said decisions regarding nomination forms and presidential aspirations remain entirely within Jonathan’s discretion. He noted that the former president’s name remains on the party register.
Jonathan has not publicly declared an intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. As of the latest developments, there has been no official confirmation from the former president regarding participation in any nomination process or acceptance of a Jonathan presidential candidate endorsement.
Political observers say the disagreement highlights deepening divisions within the PDP as rival factions continue competing for legitimacy, control of party structures and influence over preparations for the next election cycle. The issue has further intensified discussions around opposition realignments and potential presidential contenders ahead of 2027.
