2027: Wike PDP faction disowns Jonathan as presidential candidate

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that remains loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has rejected claims that former president Goodluck Jonathan will be the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

According to the faction, the allegations are false, misleading and unauthorised.

National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed issued a statement on Friday confirming the denial.

Mohammed called on security agencies to investigate the source of the reports and to prosecute those responsible, describing the rumors as an attempt to create political tension and disrepute within the polity.

Earlier, on Thursday, the Interim National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki announced plans for a convention in Abuja on Saturday to formally endorse the former president as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Daily Post reports that Senator Sandy Onor was screened, cleared and officially presented as the Wike PDP faction’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election last week.

In response, the PDP faction urged Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the move to protect the integrity of the democratic process and his reputation.

“The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party has been drawn to misleading information and unfounded reports circulating in certain quarters regarding an alleged planned convention aimed at affirming former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR as the presidential candidate of the PDP,” the statement read.

“The party wishes to categorically state that no such convention, meeting, or process has been scheduled, approved, or endorsed by the leadership or any recognised organ of the Peoples Democratic Party.”

“We therefore urge all party faithful, supporters, stakeholders, and members of the general public to disregard such false information, as it is misleading, unauthorised, and intended to create confusion within the polity.”

“It is important for the avoidance of doubt to state that the Peoples Democratic Party has successfully concluded all its primary elections, including those for governorship, State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, and the presidential primaries in accordance with INEC guidelines, the provisions of the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the party,” the statement added.