Wike-Aligned PDP Faction Urges Jonathan to Reject ‘Unauthorised’ 2027 Presidential Endorsement Convention

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to distance himself from a planned convention reportedly aimed at endorsing him as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The appeal follows reports that a rival PDP faction led by Kabiru Turaki had scheduled a special convention in Abuja, where Jonathan was expected to be formally affirmed as its presidential flagbearer.

The event was reportedly planned to hold at the A-Class Park and Event Centre in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement issued by Jungudo Haruna on behalf of the Wike-backed faction, the group described the proposed convention as unauthorised, illegitimate, and lacking the approval of the party’s recognised leadership structures.

According to the statement, no official organ of the PDP had approved or scheduled such a convention, urging party members and the general public to disregard reports surrounding the gathering.

The faction maintained that all party primaries, including those for governorship, state assembly, national assembly, and presidential positions, had already been concluded in line with the Electoral Act, party constitution, and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group further argued that the planned event was capable of creating confusion within the political space and damaging the image of the party.

Addressing former President Jonathan directly, the faction urged him to publicly dissociate himself from the exercise in order to protect his reputation and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The statement also called on security agencies to investigate individuals behind what it described as false claims regarding Jonathan’s alleged candidacy and to take appropriate action where necessary.

Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and the rule of law, the faction stated that it would not allow the PDP’s image to be undermined by what it termed unauthorised political activities and misinformation.

The development highlights the ongoing leadership and legitimacy disputes within sections of the opposition party ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.