A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has submitted the name of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election amid the lingering leadership crisis within the opposition party.
The group, operating under the Interim National Working Committee (INWC) headed by Kabiru Turaki (SAN), said the submission was made in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 after what it described as difficulties encountered in accessing the electronic submission platform.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday night, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the party forwarded Jonathan’s name alongside those of governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates across the country.
According to him, the submission was done manually after the faction allegedly failed to receive the necessary electronic access codes from INEC.
“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes, we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic Peoples Democratic Party,” Ememobong said.
He maintained that the faction remains the legitimate leadership of the PDP, arguing that previous court decisions created a vacuum in the party’s national leadership structure.
Ememobong said the development led to the establishment of an interim leadership arrangement by the party’s Board of Trustees and a National Executive Committee meeting convened through member requisition.
The spokesman disclosed that the faction had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja after INEC allegedly declined to recognise the interim leadership despite receiving formal notifications regarding its emergence.
He also faulted a recent judgment delivered by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, insisting that the ruling was inconsistent with earlier decisions of superior courts.
“The judgment reads more like an appeal on the judgments of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal,” he stated.
Ememobong said the faction had already challenged the ruling at the Court of Appeal and expressed confidence that the appellate court would overturn the decision.
He further alleged irregularities surrounding the release of the Certified True Copy of the judgment, claiming that some portions of the document did not accurately reflect what was pronounced in open court.
The PDP faction accused INEC of failing to remain neutral in matters relating to the opposition party.
Ememobong claimed that the commission had repeatedly ignored facts and court orders which he said were favourable to the faction.
“The Commission’s filings, its arguments before the courts and its refusal to comply with court orders favourable to our Party have collectively created an impression of institutional bias that should concern every Nigerian,” he said.
According to him, any attempt by the electoral commission to publish names different from those submitted by the faction would further raise questions about the commission’s independence and fairness.
He, however, urged party members and supporters not to be discouraged by the ongoing legal battle, assuring them that all constitutional and legal options would continue to be explored.
The spokesman described the leadership dispute as more than an internal party matter, saying it had wider implications for Nigeria’s democracy and the future of opposition politics.
He warned against actions capable of weakening opposition parties, arguing that democratic institutions must not be used to silence alternative political voices.
Ememobong said members of the faction and its candidates remained optimistic that the courts would eventually determine the matter in their favour.
He added that the group was prepared to continue the legal fight until a final resolution is reached.
“Democracy thrives on competition, fairness and respect for the rule of law. We will continue to pursue every lawful avenue available to protect the integrity of our party and the rights of our members,” he said.
However, Former President Jonathan, has not publicly commented on the development as of the time of filing this report.
