A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to convene a Special National Convention on Saturday, where it will formally endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential flag-bearer for the 2027 general elections.
The meeting is scheduled to hold at the ‘A’ Class Event Centre along Kassim Ibrahim Way in Wuse 2, Abuja, with proceedings expected to commence by 10 a.m.
According to an official invitation signed by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, and National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Dakas Shan, the event is described as a “Special National Convention for the Ratification of the Nomination of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR as the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
The planned ratification comes after a series of internal processes by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction aimed at positioning Jonathan as its chosen candidate.
On May 19, the faction’s screening committee granted Jonathan a waiver and cleared him as the sole aspirant for its presidential ticket. The committee, chaired by former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, justified the decision by referencing Jonathan’s extensive political experience, including his roles as deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president.
Subsequently, the faction conducted its presidential primary on Wednesday, May 28, paving the way for Saturday’s formal endorsement exercise.
In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on Tuesday that Jonathan remains eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election. Justice Peter Lifu dismissed a suit seeking to disqualify him, stating that the plaintiff lacked legal standing and that the case amounted to an abuse of court process. The court also noted that earlier judgments from both the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had already affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility.
Reacting to the judgment, the PDP faction maintained that the law does not operate retrospectively and described the case as baseless and abusive of judicial procedure. It further argued that the ruling, alongside Jonathan’s earlier clearance, effectively removed any legal obstacles to his candidacy.
Although Jonathan has not formally accepted the nomination, he has continued to maintain that he is consulting widely before making any decision on a political comeback. During meetings with youth groups urging him to join the race, the former president said the presidential contest required careful consideration and could not be approached casually.
“I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again,” he said, while assuring supporters that he had heard their appeals.
Jonathan, who led Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, is widely remembered for conceding defeat peacefully to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 election. As of press time, he has not confirmed whether he will accept the nomination or enter the 2027 race.
The faction has, however, proceeded with its internal arrangements, awaiting his final decision.