Politics —Jonathan Cleared as Sole PDP Candidate Amid Factional Crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential aspirant for the 2027 general elections. 

The announcement was made in Abuja by Babangida Aliyu, former Niger State Governor and chair of the PDP factional screening committee, who confirmed that Jonathan had been granted a waiver from the screening process due to his extensive political career.  

According to the PDP’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC), Jonathan’s political progression — from Deputy Governor to Governor, Vice President, and President — made additional vetting unnecessary. 

The party’s official press release emphasized that Jonathan had successfully completed digital membership registration in line with INEC directives and was cleared as the lone aspirant.   

Despite this clearance, the move has deepened internal divisions within the PDP. 

Rival factions, including those aligned with Nyesom Wike, dispute Jonathan’s candidacy, insisting he has not purchased nomination forms under their bloc. 

This reflects the party’s ongoing leadership crisis, with multiple factions claiming legitimacy.   

Political analysts suggest Jonathan’s re‑emergence could reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics, potentially unifying nostalgic voters while forcing the ruling APC to recalibrate its strategy. 

However, his eligibility remains under legal scrutiny, as a Federal High Court is set to rule on May 26, 2026, whether Jonathan can constitutionally contest again, given his prior completion of Yar’Adua’s term and his own full tenure from 2011–2015.  

The Key Takeaways are

- Jonathan endorsed as sole aspirant by PDP faction led by Tanimu Turaki.  

- Waiver granted due to prior service in multiple offices.  

- Press release confirms digital membership registration and clearance.  

- Rival factions dispute endorsement, highlighting PDP’s internal crisis.  

- Court ruling on May 26, 2026 will decide constitutional eligibility.  

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Sources

- Nigerian Observer (Factional PDP endorsement)   

- P.M. News (Waiver and declaration)   

- Politics Nigeria (ADC reaction, PDP clearance)   

- Gistmania (PDP statement on screening exercise)   

- OtownGist Media (PDP press release confirming Jonathan’s screening)   

- Vanguard News (Rival faction denial)