A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Kabiru Turaki has announced plans to screen former President Goodluck Jonathan as its only presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement released on Sunday, the faction said the screening exercise for all aspirants across different elective positions will hold on Tuesday at 10am as part of preparations for its upcoming primaries.
The statement indicated that a total of 2,122 state assembly candidates, 748 House of Representatives hopefuls, 198 senatorial candidates, 112 governorship aspirants, and one presidential aspirant are expected to be screened.
Although the party did not officially name the sole presidential contender, a party source confirmed that Jonathan is the only aspirant listed for the exercise.
A 14-member screening committee has been constituted, featuring prominent figures such as former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Jonah Jang, and former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, alongside other senior party members.
The committee was approved during the party’s 104th National Executive Committee meeting, according to the statement, which also said the exercise aligns with preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, discussions around Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race have intensified, following renewed calls from supporters, including a youth coalition that recently staged a rally in Abuja urging him to contest. The former president, however, has said he will consult widely before making any decision.
