ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki, SAN, on Tuesday cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election after granting him a waiver from the party’s screening process.
The development was announced by former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, who represented former Vice President Namadi Sambo, chairman of the screening committee.
Aliyu said the committee considered Jonathan overqualified for screening, citing his extensive political experience and previous positions in government.
“The party had already given a presidential aspirant a waiver from screening,” Aliyu said.
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“Like I said in the beginning, he was deputy governor, became governor, became vice president, became president, so we didn’t see anything that needed screening.”
“And therefore, the party had given him waiver. In other words, he has been declared and cleared as a candidate of the PDP for the presidential election, and that is former President Jonathan,” he added.
Aliyu also disclosed that the PDP granted a similar waiver to the party’s National Secretary, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, a former deputy governor and ambassador.
According to him, Arapaja was unable to appear before the panel because he had to remain in Ibadan, Oyo State, to oversee party activities.
“The other waiver is also for the former deputy governor and ambassador, and the secretary of the party, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja,” Aliyu stated.
He added that the screening committee had already received aspirants from Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Akwa Ibom and Delta states, noting that the exercise would continue for those yet to appear before the panel within the approved timeframe.
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Aliyu expressed confidence in the party’s chances ahead of the elections, insisting that efforts by critics and political opponents to destabilise the PDP would not succeed.
“We are very happy that even those who have been attempting to kill the party cannot succeed, and the party will contest this election by the grace of God and by the constitution of Nigeria,” he said.
When asked whether Jonathan remained the only presidential aspirant currently seeking the PDP ticket, Aliyu responded: “As far as I know, as far as of today, at this moment, yes, sir.”
The development comes amid ongoing political realignments and preparations by major political parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.