Turaki-led PDP To Ratify Jonathan As Presidential Candidate Saturday

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki has disclosed it will ratify the nomination of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate ahead of the 2026 general elections at a Special National Convention on Saturday.

According to the official invitation, the convention is slated to hold on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Abuja.

The invitation, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr, and the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, stated that the convention will formally endorse Jonathan’s candidacy under the platform of the PDP faction.

Party stakeholders, delegates, and members from across the country are expected to attend the high-level gathering, which is being described as a key milestone in the faction’s preparations for the upcoming presidential election.

The PDP leadership has urged all relevant party structures to mobilize and ensure full participation in the convention, emphasizing unity and discipline among members.

Former President Jonathan, who served between 2010 and 2015, is widely remembered for his 2015 concession speech, in which he peacefully handed over power to former President Muhammadu Buhari after losing the general election.

As of the time of filing this report, Jonathan had not issued any public statement accepting the nomination or confirming his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

However, during a recent engagement with youth groups at his Abuja office, the former president said the presidential race was not a “computer game,” adding that he would consult widely before making any decision.

“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you and I’ll consult widely,” Jonathan said.

He reiterated his position at the end of the meeting, noting that he could not simply wake up and declare his intention to seek the presidency again.

“I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again. But I am telling you that I will consult. If there is a need to, I will wait,” he stated.

Recall that the PDP loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, had ratified Prof Sandy Onor as the party’s presidential candidate.

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