Fresh divisions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as rival factions loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ally, Senator Sandy Onor, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike-backed party leadership trade accusations over an alleged move to endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election.
The controversy intensified after the Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee announced plans to hold a special convention in Abuja to ratify former President Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate.
However, the PDP leadership, through its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, distanced itself from the proposed gathering, describing reports of the endorsement convention as false, unauthorized, and contrary to the party’s established processes.
According to the party, all primaries and candidate selections had already been concluded in compliance with the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines, and the PDP constitution, including the emergence of Senator Sandy Onor as the party’s presidential candidate.
The party further called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly dissociate himself from the planned event to safeguard both the integrity of the democratic process and his personal reputation.
In response, the Turaki-led faction accused the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to frustrate the event by allegedly pressuring the management of A Class Event Centre in Abuja to deny the group access to the venue.
The faction insisted that all legal and administrative requirements had been fulfilled and vowed to proceed with the convention as scheduled, arguing that no individual or government official has the authority to suppress lawful political activities.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) issued a warning that event centres, hotels, and public facilities hosting gatherings of what it described as “illegal organisations” risk having their land titles revoked. The administration maintained that the measure is aimed at protecting public order and ensuring compliance with existing laws governing political activities.
The unfolding dispute highlights growing tensions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections, with competing factions battling for legitimacy, leadership, and control of the PDP’s political future.
