By The Analyst Online Media
ABUJA — The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a fresh twist as the Kabiru Turaki-led faction announced that it has formally submitted the nomination of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite not being recognised by the electoral umpire.
The development deepens the internal divisions within Nigeria's main opposition party, which has remained split into rival factions over leadership and control of the party's structure.
According to the faction, the submission of Jonathan's nomination followed its earlier ratification of the former president as its sole presidential candidate at a special national convention held in Abuja. Party officials maintained that their actions were in line with the PDP Constitution and existing court judgments, insisting that INEC had been duly notified of all processes leading to the nomination.
However, the move faces a major legal and political hurdle, as INEC currently recognises the rival PDP leadership led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, a faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. That recognised faction had earlier nominated former Senator Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Political observers say the parallel nominations could trigger another round of legal battles over which faction has the constitutional authority to field candidates for the elections.
Former President Jonathan has so far remained publicly silent on the nomination by the Turaki-led faction, neither accepting nor rejecting the presidential ticket, a development that has continued to fuel speculation over his political intentions.
Analysts note that unless the lingering leadership dispute is resolved, the PDP risks entering the 2027 election cycle divided, potentially weakening its chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
With both factions insisting on the legitimacy of their respective leaderships and candidates, attention is expected to shift to INEC and, ultimately, the courts to determine which nomination, if any, will stand.
The unfolding dispute underscores the continuing internal challenges confronting the PDP as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.