PDP faction to ratify Jonathan as presidential candidate Saturday
A PDP faction led by former minister Kabiru Turaki will hold a special national convention this Saturday in Abuja to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as their sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. The convention was announced Thursday by faction leaders Ini Ememobong and Theophilus Shan, despite Jonathan not publicly accepting the nomination and the faction lacking INEC recognition.
The biggest legal issue is Jonathan's constitutional eligibility. Section 137(3) limits presidents to two terms, but supporters argue the 2018 constitutional amendment cannot apply retroactively since Jonathan's presidential terms occurred before the amendment. His eligibility was upheld twice by Federal High Courts – first in Yenagoa in 2022, and again in Abuja this Tuesday.
Jonathan served as VP 2007-2010, became president after Yar'Adua's death in 2010, won 2011 election, but lost 2015 to Buhari – Nigeria's first incumbent presidential defeat. His supporters argue he has broad national appeal and international acceptance, while others advise he remain an elder statesman. Will this faction's move create a legitimate 2027 contender or remain a political sideshow?