Jonathan Named PDP Faction’s Presidential Candidate In Absentia

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan was on Saturday named the presidential candidate of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election, with former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, receiving the party’s Certificate of Return on his behalf.

The development unfolded during a convention organised in Abuja by the PDP Interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Turaki (SAN), bringing Jonathan back into the centre of political discussions ahead of the next general election.

Jonathan was absent from the gathering, but party leaders proceeded with his nomination and presentation as the faction’s preferred candidate for the presidency.

Prof. Gana received the Certificate of Return before an audience comprising party leaders, delegates, former ministers, state officials and supporters who attended the convention in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

Speaking after the presentation, Gana expressed appreciation to party members for the confidence reposed in Jonathan and pledged continued efforts toward rebuilding the PDP as a viable opposition platform.

The convention was, however, preceded by a dispute over venue.

Organisers had initially fixed the event for the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja. However, the plan was disrupted following a directive by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) instructing owners of hotels and event centres to transact only with leaders of political parties officially recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The directive affected the Turaki-led group, as INEC currently recognises the PDP leadership aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

The situation escalated on Saturday morning when police officers reportedly blocked access roads leading to the proposed venue, forcing organisers to relocate the convention.

Party officials subsequently informed delegates and invited guests that the event would hold at an alternative venue in Area 10, Garki, where proceedings eventually took place.

The presentation of the Certificate of Return marked a significant move by the faction as it seeks to position itself ahead of the 2027 presidential contest amid lingering divisions within the PDP.

Although Jonathan has yet to publicly respond to the nomination, the decision is expected to generate fresh debate within the opposition party, where competing camps continue to battle for influence and control of party structures.

Officials of the faction said arrangements were underway for the formal presentation of the party’s flag to the former president, adding that a date for the ceremony would be announced later.

The nomination comes at a time when discussions over the future of the PDP have intensified, with stakeholders expressing divergent views on the party’s leadership, internal reforms and strategy for reclaiming power at the national level.