A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, has officially endorsed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after the faction’s Special National Convention held in Abuja on May 30. The statement was signed by the Interim National Working Committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.
According to the communiqué, the faction complied with all legal requirements ahead of the convention, including notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies of the planned gathering.
The group said it had also secured the A Class Event Centre in Abuja as the venue for the convention before encountering unexpected challenges.
The faction alleged that the management of the facility later withdrew permission for the event after reportedly receiving threats that its Certificate of Occupancy could be revoked and the property demolished if the convention went ahead.
It further claimed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration heightened the pressure through a public advisory warning businesses against hosting activities it considered unlawful.
According to the statement, police personnel were also deployed around the venue before the event, restricting access and preventing delegates from using the facility.
In response, party leaders reportedly held an emergency meeting involving members of the Board of Trustees, the Interim National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, state chairmen, governorship candidates and National Assembly candidates.
The communiqué stated that stakeholders eventually decided against confronting security operatives or forcing their way into the venue after appeals from senior party leaders.
The elders reportedly advised members to pursue democratic and lawful means rather than engage in any form of confrontation.
As part of the resolutions reached during the meeting, delegates unanimously adopted Jonathan as the faction’s presidential flag bearer for the 2027 election.
The faction added that details of a formal presentation and campaign flag-off ceremony would be announced at a later date.
The communiqué also criticised what it described as the abuse of state power, alleging that opposition activities were being deliberately obstructed.
According to the group, such actions could weaken democratic institutions and encourage authoritarian practices if allowed to continue.
The faction further argued that while other political parties with internal disputes had been allowed to organise conventions, the PDP was facing what it described as undue restrictions because of its political relevance.
It called on President Bola Tinubu to help ease political tensions and ensure fairness for all parties participating in the democratic process.
The group also urged its members across the country to remain steadfast and committed to the party, expressing confidence that the opposition would overcome its current challenges.
The convention concluded with a directive to the Interim National Working Committee to intensify preparations for the 2027 elections and expand advocacy efforts both within and outside Nigeria regarding what it described as increasing pressure on opposition parties.
The faction maintained that it remains united, organised and fully prepared for the 2027 general election.
