Fresh tensions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a dispute over plans by a faction led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, to endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The faction of the PDP aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly called on Jonathan to distance himself from the proposed endorsement, describing the planned exercise as illegitimate and capable of creating confusion within the political landscape.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the group dismissed reports of an upcoming convention intended to affirm Jonathan as the party’s presidential flagbearer, insisting that no such process had been approved by the recognised leadership structures of the PDP.
According to the statement, neither the party leadership nor any authorised organ of the PDP had sanctioned a convention, meeting or political gathering for the purpose of selecting or endorsing a presidential candidate.
The group argued that all party primary elections had already been conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the party’s constitution.
It maintained that governorship, state assembly, National Assembly and presidential primary processes had been concluded peacefully under the supervision of the electoral commission.
“All such exercises across the country were peacefully conducted and properly monitored and supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the statement said.
The faction further urged Jonathan to publicly reject any association with the planned endorsement in order to safeguard both his personal reputation and the integrity of the democratic process.
“In view of this development, we respectfully call on former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to publicly dissociate himself from this charade in order to protect the integrity of the democratic process and preserve the credibility he earned while serving the nation,” the statement added.
The group also appealed to security agencies to investigate the source of what it described as false information surrounding the planned convention and take appropriate action against those responsible.
According to the statement, the party would no longer tolerate actions it believes are aimed at damaging the image of the PDP through misinformation, unauthorised political activities and attempts to undermine its internal structures.
The development comes amid an ongoing leadership struggle within the opposition party, with rival factions advancing different positions regarding the future direction of the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite the criticism, the faction led by Tanimu Turaki has insisted that its planned event would proceed as scheduled.
The group had earlier announced that it would hold a special convention in Abuja to ratify the nomination of former President Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the next presidential election.
In a statement signed by its Interim National Working Committee and made available through Ini Ememobong, the faction rejected attempts to halt the gathering, describing any move to suppress the event as unacceptable.
The group stated that all necessary arrangements had been completed and relevant authorities had been informed of the planned convention.
“We state here, and for the record, that we had furnished consideration in full to consummate the earlier offer and acceptance.
”Furthermore, we had duly notified all relevant security agencies about the event,” the statement said.
The faction also disclosed that its legal team had been instructed to communicate with the management of the venue regarding issues surrounding the event.
Reaffirming its commitment to the convention, the group announced that the gathering would take place as planned.
“Having satisfied these requirements, we reiterate that the special convention to ratify the presidential candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan will hold as scheduled on Saturday, 30th May, 2026, at A Class Event Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja, by 10 a.m.,” the statement added.
The Turaki-led faction further argued that Nigeria remains a democratic nation governed by the rule of law and warned against any attempt to stifle opposition voices or political dissent.
“We are certain that Nigeria is a country governed by law, and any attempt to use force to suppress political dissent and opposition is an aberration which must be resisted by all people of good conscience,” it stated.
The disagreement highlighted the widening divisions within the PDP as rival camps continue to battle for legitimacy and influence ahead of the next electoral cycle.
As both factions maintain their positions, attention is now focused on whether Jonathan will publicly respond to the endorsement controversy and clarify his stance on the growing political debate surrounding his possible return to the presidential race.
