2027: PDP confirms Jonathan as flagbearer, 21 gov to INEC; warns candidates against defection

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially named former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election and issued a strong warning to all its candidates against leaving the party after winning elections on its platform.

The party made the announcement on Wednesday while presenting Certificates of Return to 21 governorship candidates, declaring that it is fully prepared for the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the PDP Interim National Working Committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said all candidates whose names will be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must sign a commitment to remain loyal to the party.

Turaki said the move is aimed at preventing a repeat of situations where candidates win elections under the PDP and later join rival political parties.

He explained that the party carried out detailed background checks and security screenings on its governorship candidates to avoid legal issues that could threaten election victories.

According to him, most candidates have passed the screening process and received their Certificates of Return, while a few are still being cleared over issues the party considers important.

Turaki expressed confidence in the PDP’s readiness for the 2027 polls, saying the party will contest elections in every constituency and is focused on winning.

The PDP National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Dakas Shan, confirmed that Jonathan emerged as the party’s presidential candidate after completing the nomination process.

Shan said the party successfully conducted its candidate selection exercise nationwide despite the leadership crisis that followed the Supreme Court ruling that nullified its Ibadan convention.

He revealed that the PDP has produced 28 governorship candidates, 109 senatorial candidates, 360 House of Representatives candidates and 993 House of Assembly candidates across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP State Chairmen Forum, Ondo State PDP Chairman, Dupe Aisida, praised the party leadership for keeping the party united through difficult times.

Aisida said many people doubted the PDP would survive its internal challenges, but the party has emerged stronger, more confident and ready for future elections.

The 21 governorship candidates who received Certificates of Return include nominees from Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Abia, Cross River, Yobe, Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, Oyo, Adamawa, Gombe, Rivers, Taraba, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kano, Benue, Lagos and Plateau states.