By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The crisis engulfing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) burst into the open again this week as a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike flatly denied any plans to field former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election—even as a competing splinter group moved to ratify him as its candidate.
The Wike-backed faction, which claims legitimacy as the party’s authentic leadership, said Jonathan has neither purchased nomination forms nor engaged with its structure.
“Goodluck has not purchased our form yet and he has not been romancing with us, so we are not expecting him to come,” Mohammed Haruna Jungudo, National Publicity Secretary of that faction, told reporters. “You are not talking to Kabiru Turaki’s group.”
The denial came days before a parallel faction led by former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki scheduled a special national convention for May 30 at the A’ Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, to formally ratify Jonathan as its presidential flag bearer.
On May 19, 2026, the Turaki faction’s screening committee—chaired by former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu—granted Jonathan a waiver and cleared him as its sole presidential aspirant, citing his prior service as deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president.
“He has been declared and cleared as a candidate of the PDP for the presidential election,” Aliyu said.
The PDP has been mired in leadership disputes since losing power in 2015, with multiple factions operating parallel structures and pursuing court battles. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognizes certain leadership claims while other groups exist in legal limbo. Key fault lines involve Wike, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other chieftains vying for control.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015 and has largely stayed out of active politics since leaving office, has not publicly confirmed or denied interest in a return. He did not appear for screening, and his team has maintained a low profile, fueling speculation.
A federal High Court in Abuja recently dismissed a suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility, ruling he can contest and awarding costs against the plaintiff—a decision the Turaki faction hailed as a victory.
Political analyst Victoria N. Ikeano described the situation as “a mystery,” suggesting it could be either a calculated strategic ruse or a reflection of factional maneuvering with no real candidate yet.
Meanwhile, another faction has reportedly adopted former Senator Sandy Onor as its consensus presidential candidate, further illustrating the multiple parallel tracks within the fractured opposition party.
