By Akhidenor Osamudiame
Following the ratification of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the sole presidential candidate of the upcoming 2027 general elections by the party Chairman of the Presidential Convention Planning Committee, Professor Jerry Gana at a special convention held in Abuja on Saturday 30th May 2026, a separate faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) backed by current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have issued statements distancing the faction from any actions or news relating to the ratification.
In statements issued, the faction claims such information are “misleading and unfounded”. The statement signed by the factions National Publicity Secretary, Jungundo Haruna Mohammed, said that no such actions have been approved by the leadership it recognises as the legitimate PDP structure.
“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,” the statement said.
The faction urged party members, supporters and the general public to disregard the reports, describing them as “misleading, unauthorised, and intended to create confusion within the polity.” According to Mohammed, the PDP had already concluded all its primary elections, including those for governorship, state and national legislative positions, as well as its presidential primary, in line with electoral regulations and the party’s constitution.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has successfully concluded all its primary elections, including those for Governorship, State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, and the Presidential election primaries in accordance with INEC guidelines, the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Party,” the statement said.
The faction also goes further to call on former President Jonathan to publicly distance himself from what it deems a deliberate charade meant to destabilize the party and disrupt the due democratic process.
This comes as a direct contrast to statements made at the special convention by the Chairman of the PDP Interim National Working Committee, Tanimu Hassan Turaki, who asserts that actions taken were in line with existing court judgements and the party’s constitution.
Turaki explained that the leadership structure emerged following decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which created vacancies that were subsequently filled by the party’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee. He said the Independent National Electoral Commission had been duly informed of all meetings and activities leading to the convention.
“What we are doing today is in line with the judgement of the Supreme Court and the provisions of our constitution. INEC has been informed and is fully aware of the processes that have taken place,” he said.
The opposing views have gone on to create a frenzy on social media sparking debates, opinions and memes, with some likening it to a battle between two Olympian gods. The public are eagerly waiting on the edge of their seats for a conclusion to the debacle.
The current lack of response to requests for comments by the former President and his team, have left a vacuum in the minds of the audience as they are left to ponder and react to unverified reasons as to why no statements have been issued by the former President on the issue and his stance on it.
