PDP chairman Tanimu Turaki declares the party’s 2027 presidential ticket open to southern aspirants, including Goodluck Jonathan, as courts affirm party leadership
PDP Signals Southern Presidency in 2027 as Turaki Opens Race to Jonathan, Others
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of its National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, has formally declared its 2027 presidential ticket open to all qualified aspirants from southern Nigeria, a move that potentially clears the path for former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent southern political figures.
The decision was announced late Tuesday night during a high-level strategic meeting held at the Abuja residence of former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, a gathering that brought together key stakeholders and party leaders ahead of preparations for the next general election.
Speaking at the meeting, Turaki made it clear that while the party is yet to anoint any preferred candidate, it is committed to an open, transparent and democratic primary process that allows party members to determine their flag bearer.
“So, if for whatever reason anybody wants to contest, we want to assure Nigerians that they will be the deciders of who becomes their candidate,” Turaki said.
He emphasised that the PDP’s presidential contest would be strictly open to members of southern Nigerian origin, stressing that the party is determined to guarantee fairness and internal equity.
“It is open to every member of the PDP living in southern Nigeria or of southern Nigerian descent. The process is going to be open, transparent, fair, equitable, and it will create a level playing field for everybody,” he added.
Turaki further explained that the decision reflects the party’s commitment to zoning, inclusiveness and internal balance, effectively signalling that the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket will be zoned to the South.
Political observers say the declaration places former President Goodluck Jonathan firmly within the frame, alongside other influential southern aspirants who may seek to test their popularity at the party’s primaries.
Beyond the 2027 race, the PDP chairman also expressed satisfaction with recent court victories that have strengthened the party’s internal cohesion.
Turaki welcomed the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which dismissed a suit filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a factional National Secretary of the party.
Describing the ruling as a reaffirmation of party discipline and respect for due process, Turaki said it underscored the legitimacy of the current leadership.
NewsHeadline247 further gathered that less than 24 hours earlier, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had also dismissed a separate suit instituted by Anyanwu, in which he sought official recognition as the PDP’s National Secretary.
Delivering judgment, Justice Mohammed Umar ruled against the claims of the factional secretary, a decision widely interpreted as consolidating the authority of the Turaki-led National Working Committee.
Party insiders say the twin court rulings have strengthened the PDP’s internal stability at a critical moment, as it begins early consultations and groundwork ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With zoning clarified, legal distractions reduced and the contest officially opened, the PDP appears set for an intense but structured presidential primary season—one that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape in the years ahead. Read More
