A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki, has insisted that former President Goodluck Jonathan was successfully nominated as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election despite efforts by some individuals to prevent it.
Speaking in Abuja during the presentation of Certificates of Return to PDP governorship candidates, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan, said Jonathan followed all required procedures for nomination.
According to him, the former president purchased the party’s nomination forms, completed the necessary documentation, and was officially nominated by the party.
Shan claimed that several attempts were made by unnamed individuals and groups to block Jonathan’s emergence as the PDP candidate, but those efforts did not succeed.
He maintained that the party remained united behind Jonathan and was confident about its chances in the 2027 presidential election.
The PDP official also revealed that the party has begun preparations for elections across the country. He stated that the party plans to field 28 governorship candidates in states where governorship elections will take place. In addition, the party has selected 109 candidates for the Senate, 360 candidates for the House of Representatives, and 993 candidates for various State Houses of Assembly seats.
According to Shan, the PDP is fully prepared for the upcoming elections and believes Jonathan remains one of the strongest political figures capable of challenging candidates from other parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on PDP members to abandon the belief that political power can be handed to them without effort. Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Wike stressed that regaining power in 2027 would require determination, sacrifice, and hard work.
He told party members that power is never freely given in politics and must be won through struggle, strategic planning, and grassroots mobilization. According to him, politicians hoping to occupy elective positions must be ready to fight politically for their ambitions rather than waiting for opportunities to be handed to them.
Wike compared the PDP’s current situation to that of a family experiencing hardship after years of prosperity. He said many members became accustomed to the advantages that came with being in government and are now finding it difficult to adjust to life in opposition.
The former Rivers State governor encouraged party faithful not to lose hope despite the PDP’s recent political challenges. He urged members to remain focused and committed to rebuilding the party ahead of the next election cycle.
Drawing from his own political experiences, Wike said leadership requires courage, resilience, and sacrifice. He advised aspiring governors, lawmakers, and other office seekers to organize effectively, connect with voters, and work harder than ever before if they hope to achieve victory in future elections.
His remarks come as political parties across Nigeria continue to strategize and position themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 general election.
The debate over Jonathan’s reported nomination and the future direction of the PDP is likely to remain a major talking point in the country’s political landscape in the months ahead.
