A factional National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Tanimu Turaki has screened 12 governorship aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections and reportedly granted automatic clearance to former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential aspirant.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the Chairman of the screening committee and former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, who was represented by former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu after the screening exercise in Abuja.
According to Aliyu, the exercise focused on governorship aspirants seeking the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, while Jonathan was reportedly granted a waiver that could pave the way for a possible return to presidential politics.
The development, however, is yet to receive formal confirmation from the national leadership of the PDP and has already sparked discussions within political circles over its potential implications for the next election cycle.
Reacting to the development, the African Democratic Congress said Jonathan’s possible entry into the presidential race could reshape political calculations and influence strategies across different parties.
Earlier, a PDP chieftain and former presidential aide, Umar Sani, had alleged that Jonathan had already obtained a presidential nomination form in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Sani made the claim during an appearance on Trust TV, adding to growing speculation surrounding the former president’s political future.
