A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by Kabiru Turaki, has granted former President Goodluck Jonathan a waiver, clearing him for the party’s presidential race ahead of the 2027 general elections. The decision allows Jonathan to proceed without undergoing the standard screening process required for aspirants.
The development was confirmed during the party’s presidential screening exercise in Abuja, where the factional screening committee reviewed aspirants ahead of the 2027 primaries.
According to party insiders, the waiver exempts Jonathan from internal procedural requirements, effectively positioning him for accelerated consideration within the faction’s nomination process. The PDP faction said the screening exercise forms part of preparations for its upcoming presidential primary election, where aspirants will be formally assessed before final selection.
The Turaki-led faction has recently intensified internal party activities, including membership verification, aspirant screening, and leadership consultations ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has remained a central figure in political discussions surrounding the opposition party’s strategy for the next election cycle. His potential return to the presidential race has continued to generate debate within political circles, particularly within factions of the PDP undergoing leadership restructuring.
The PDP faction’s screening committee is responsible for evaluating aspirants’ eligibility, documentation, and compliance with internal party guidelines before primaries.
Party officials said the waiver granted to Jonathan reflects internal discretion within the faction’s leadership structure, aimed at streamlining the nomination process for selected aspirants. The committee is also expected to conclude screening activities before moving into formal primary arrangements that will determine the party’s presidential candidate for 2027.
Jonathan’s clearance for the presidential race adds to ongoing political realignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the next general election.
The PDP has faced internal divisions in recent years, with multiple factions emerging over leadership and electoral strategy decisions. Political observers note that the inclusion of high-profile figures like Jonathan could significantly influence the party’s electoral competitiveness and internal cohesion going into 2027.
