The PDP led by Turaki ratified Jonathan as a presidential candidate

The Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday endorsed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The faction took the decision at a special national convention held at its office in Area 10, Abuja.

This followed the barricade of the venue previously scheduled for the event, A-Class Event Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja, by personnel of the Nigerian Police.

Jonathan’s ratification motion was moved by the Chairman of the PDP State Chairs Forum, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, and supported by Senator Sani Dagash.

READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP selects former labor minister as governor candidate in Taraba

After a unanimous “yes” vote from the delegates present, the former President’s return certificate was handed over to Fred Agbedi, Leader of the PDP Caucus in the House of Representatives.

Previously as Chair of the Special Convention, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, expressed his sadness over the massive deployment of security forces to the venue originally designated for the convention.

Gana remembered how he, the late Old Statesman, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and Senator Abraham Adesanya, during the 1998 transition to democracy, negotiated with the military government to ensure the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said the negotiations were mediated by the UN Secretary General at that time, Dr. Kofi Annan.

“I am sad that after years of development in Nigeria, we are still experiencing conditions like this under democracy.

“The first thing we said then was that we would not be part of the transition program unless the election commission became independent.

“Unfortunately, is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) currently independent?” Gana said.

He praised the delegates for their courage in defying intimidation to attend the convention, and said their presence was a defense of democracy and good governance.

“We were supposed to hold a special convention in a well-organized place, but now the police have taken over the entire area. Are we back under military rule? No! No!”

“They don’t want us to have a presidential candidate, but fortunately the chairman is wise and firm,” added the former minister.