Presidential race 2027, PDP assured to welcome all southern candidacy including Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

 

Boastnews reporting, The Peoples Democratic Party under the leadership of Dr Tanimu Turaki has declared that its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election is open to all qualified Nigerians from the South, with former President Goodluck Jonathan included among those eligible to contest. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday night, Turaki explained that the party has resolved to zone its next presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria. He said any party member from the region who meets the constitutional requirements to lead the country is free to seek the PDP nomination.

Turaki made the clarification shortly after leading members of the party’s National Working Committee on a courtesy visit to former Vice President Namadi Sambo at his Asokoro residence. He was responding to questions on whether Jonathan had shown interest or communicated plans to return to the presidential race in 2027.

According to him, the PDP has not settled on any individual as its preferred candidate. He stressed that while the ticket is open to all qualified southerners within the party, there are also individuals who will not be considered, though he declined to mention names.

 

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He said the party intends to run an open and fair process that will give every qualified aspirant equal opportunity. He added that PDP members and Nigerians at large will ultimately determine who emerges as the party’s flagbearer.

Turaki noted that the visit to Sambo was to formally introduce officials elected at the party’s national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025. He said the former vice president welcomed the delegation warmly and offered guidance on strengthening the party. He also revealed that Sambo reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and promised to become more actively involved in its affairs in the near future. Turaki described their discussion as productive and reassuring, saying the former vice president expressed readiness to support the party whenever needed.

The PDP chairman further told party supporters that the opposition party is steadily regaining its footing across the country. He pointed to recent electoral successes in the Federal Capital Territory area council polls as well as off season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun as signs that the party is returning to winning form. He assured members that the PDP remains focused on rebuilding and positioning itself as a strong alternative platform for Nigerians ahead of future elections.