PDP Faction Moves to Ratify Goodluck Jonathan as 2027 Presidential Candidate in Abuja Convention

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party is set to hold a Special National Convention on Saturday to formally ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The convention is scheduled to take place at the ‘A’ Class Event Centre, Kassim Ibrahim Way, Wuse 2, Abuja, beginning at 10am, according to invitations signed by faction officials and seen by reporters.

The invitation described the event as a “Special National Convention for the Ratification of the Nomination of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR as the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.”

The move follows a series of internal steps by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, including a screening committee that granted Jonathan a waiver and cleared him as the sole presidential aspirant.

The committee, chaired by former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, said the decision was based on Jonathan’s political experience as deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president.

A factional primary was also reportedly held earlier in the week ahead of the planned ratification exercise.

The development comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election, a decision welcomed by the faction as removing legal uncertainty around his participation.

However, Jonathan has not publicly confirmed whether he will accept the nomination or formally enter the race, maintaining that he is still consulting widely.

Speaking to supporters earlier this month, he said the presidential race “is not a computer game,” adding that he would not rush into a decision without wide consultation.

“I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again,” he said.

The development adds a new layer of complexity to opposition politics ahead of 2027, as factions within major parties continue to position high-profile figures for possible presidential bids.