By Emmanuel Oloniruha
A faction of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP backed by Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disassociated itself from the plan to affirm former President Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate of the party for the 2027 election.
The faction also called on the former President to publicly dissociate himself from the purported plan in order to protect the integrity of the democratic process and his credibility.
The faction which has Abdulraman Mohammed as its national said this in reaction to a special convention being planned by a rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki to ratify the former President as its 2027 presidential candidate today.
The faction, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed on Friday in Abuja, described the planned convention as false, misleading, and an attempt to create unnecessary political tension in the country.
Mohammed said that no such meeting or affirmation process had been scheduled or approved by any recognised organ of the party.
According to him, the PDP has already concluded all its statutory primary elections—including those for the Presidency, National Assembly, Governorship, and State Houses of Assembly.
He said that it was done in strict compliance with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Electoral Act, and the party’s constitution.
“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 public to disregard such false information, as it is misleading, unauthorised, and intended to create confusion within the polity.
“In view of this development, we respectfully call on former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly dissociate himself from this charade in order to protect the integrity of the democratic process and preserve the credibility he earned while serving the nation,” Mohammed said.
He also urged relevant security agencies to investigate the source of the false reports and take decisive action against those behind them.
He warned that the PDP would no longer tolerate its name being dragged into disrepute through unauthorised political activities.
Mohammed reiterated the PDP’s total commitment to internal democracy, due process, and the rule of law.
He advised members of the public to rely strictly on official channels for any communication regarding party affairs.
The Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of PDP had scheduled its convention for Saturday in Abuja to affirm Jonathan as its presidential candidate for 2027.
Mohammed-led NWC had on Tuesday affirmed a former member of the National Assembly, Sen. Sandy Onor, as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
As at the time of this report, no official comment by Jonathan regarding his ambition for the 2027 presidential race.
(NAN)
