A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed reports claiming it was preparing a convention to endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, describing the information as false, misleading, and not authorised by the party’s leadership.
In a statement issued on Friday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, also urged security agencies to investigate those behind the reports and prosecute anyone responsible, saying the aim was to stir political tension and tarnish the party’s image.
The clarification comes after a faction of the Interim National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki reportedly announced plans to hold a convention in Abuja on Saturday to formally endorse Jonathan as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential race.
It would be recalled that Senator Sandy Onor was last week screened, cleared, and officially presented as the PDP’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Reacting to the controversy, the party also called on former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the move, saying it was necessary to protect both his reputation and the integrity of the democratic process.
The party stated: “The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party has been drawn to misleading information and unfounded reports circulating in certain quarters regarding an alleged planned convention aimed at affirming former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR as the presidential candidate of the PDP.
“The Party wishes to categorically state that no such convention, meeting, or process has been scheduled, approved, or endorsed by the leadership or any recognised organ of the Peoples Democratic Party.
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We therefore urge all party faithful, supporters, stakeholders, and members of the general public to disregard such false information, as it is misleading, unauthorised, and intended to create confusion within the polity.
“It is important for the avoidance of doubt to state that the Peoples Democratic Party has successfully concluded all its primary elections, including those for governorship, State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, and the presidential primaries in accordance with INEC guidelines, the provisions of the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the party.”
The party added that the exercises were peacefully conducted nationwide under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It continued: “In view of this development, we respectfully call on former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to publicly dissociate himself from this charade in order to protect the integrity of the democratic process and preserve the credibility he earned while serving the nation.
“We also call on relevant security agencies to swiftly investigate the source of these false reports and take appropriate action against the perpetrators whose motive is nothing but to create political tension in the country.
“The PDP will henceforth not fold its arms and allow the party to be dragged into disrepute through falsehood, misinformation, and unauthorised political activities aimed at undermining its integrity and democratic structures.
“The party remains totally committed to due process, internal democracy, and the rule of law in all its political activities and engagements, and will continue to protect the sanctity of its constitutional processes and decisions.”