A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party will ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election this Saturday. The development signals a deepening split within the party as Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, moves to contest the next general election.
The ratification is scheduled to hold in Abuja, marking a formal endorsement of Jonathan by the faction members. Details about the exact venue and time of the exercise remain unclear, but party sources confirmed the event would proceed as planned.
Jonathan's emergence as a candidate has been a subject of speculation within political circles for months. His entry into the race represents a significant move by one segment of the PDP, which has been grappling with internal divisions over strategy and leadership direction heading into 2027.
The party has been fractured along different lines, with competing interests and camps pushing different agendas. This latest development underscores the tensions that have plagued the opposition party since the 2023 election.
Jonathan will face other candidates in the general election, including the incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and candidates from other parties. The 2027 race is shaping up to be highly competitive, with multiple heavyweight politicians signalling their intention to run.
The PDP faction's decision to ratify Jonathan this weekend will set the stage for campaign activities in the coming months. Party officials expect the ratification to energise supporters and provide clarity on the faction's direction as preparations for the election intensify.
