A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has submitted former President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential nomination to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 elections, despite not being recognized by the electoral body.
The group said it manually filed the nomination and a full list of its candidates after INEC denied it access to the electronic submission portal, insisting that access codes were only administrative tools.
The move comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the party, with rival factions laying claim to legitimacy. INEC currently recognizes a different PDP leadership, a position recently reinforced by a Federal High Court ruling dismissing a suit seeking recognition for the Turaki-led committee.
Speaking to journalists, the faction’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, said the submission complied with the Electoral Act and warned INEC against publishing any alternative list of candidates.
He added that the list included Jonathan’s presidential nomination as well as candidates for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections.
The faction insists it emerged from internal party processes following disputes over leadership, but INEC has continued to reject its authority.
Jonathan’s candidacy had earlier been announced by the same faction after a special convention in Abuja, although the former president has not publicly confirmed acceptance of the nomination.
The development highlights deepening divisions within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising fresh concerns over the party’s unity and preparedness.
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