Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been formally named the presidential candidate of a specific faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming 2027 general election. This significant development occurred on Saturday at a special national convention, meticulously organized in Abuja by the PDP faction led by Kabiru Turaki. Although the former president was not physically present at the event, his certificate of return, symbolizing his ratified candidacy, was officially received on his behalf by Fred Agbedi, a distinguished member of the House of Representatives representing Bayelsa State.

The planning for this convention faced initial challenges, as the Turaki-led faction had originally intended to host the event at the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja. However, these plans were disrupted by a directive from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The FCTA had explicitly instructed owners of hotels and event centers to engage exclusively with political party leaderships that are officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Pertinently, the PDP faction that is currently aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, holds this official recognition from INEC, complicating matters for the Turaki-led group.

On the morning of the convention, police officers effectively blocked all access roads leading to the A-Class Park and Event Centre, thereby compelling the organizers to relocate the event. Following this intervention, party officials swiftly announced that the convention would proceed at the faction’s designated office located in Area 10, Garki District. It was at this alternative venue that delegates ultimately convened and successfully ratified Goodluck Jonathan’s nomination as their presidential candidate. The faction has indicated that a date for the formal presentation of the party’s flag to Jonathan will be publicly announced at a subsequent time.