PDP Faction Convenes Convention to Ratify Goodluck Jonathan as Sole Presidential Candidate

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has concluded plans to hold a national convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Sources within the party disclosed that the convention, being organised by the PDP Legacy Group, has secured the support of some governors, National Assembly members, and other stakeholders across the country.

“The convention is to ratify the sole candidacy of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election. This is a decision that has been widely accepted by the majority of party members,” a source said.

The move has, however, generated mixed reactions within the party, with some members describing it as an attempt to impose a candidate ahead of the party’s official primary election.

The National Working Committee of the PDP, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, has disowned the planned convention, describing it as illegal and a violation of the party’s constitution.

“The party has not scheduled any convention for the ratification of any presidential candidate. The NWC is not aware of any such plan. Those behind this are acting on their own and should be ignored,” a statement from the party’s national publicity secretary read.

But the Legacy Group has insisted that the convention will go ahead as planned, saying the party’s constitution allows for such a gathering.

“We are not doing anything illegal. The party’s constitution provides for the convening of a national convention by any group of members who have the interest of the party at heart. We have the numbers, and we will go ahead,” a leader of the group said.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has not publicly declared his intention to contest the 2027 election. However, his supporters have been working behind the scenes to ensure his return to power.

The development has further deepened the crisis in the PDP, which has been grappling with internal divisions since the 2023 general election. The party has been polarised between supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and those loyal to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, among others.

The PDP Legacy Group is believed to be loyal to Atiku, and the push for Jonathan is seen by some analysts as an attempt to find a compromise candidate who can unite the party and present a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress has dismissed the development, saying the PDP is too divided to pose any serious threat in 2027.

Sources: Premium Times, The Guardian