PDP Crisis Deepens as Rival Factions Present Separate Candidates for 2027 Elections
The leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Wednesday as two rival factions separately unveiled candidates and issued certificates of return ahead of the 2027 general elections. Both camps insisted they represent the party’s legitimate leadership and expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would recognise their nominees. One faction, aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held its event at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, while the rival group led by Tanimu Turaki organised a separate stakeholders’ meeting in the capital. The parallel activities came just days before INEC's scheduled release of access codes to political parties for uploading candidates' details. Addressing party members during the PDP’s 109th National Executive Committee meeting, Wike urged supporters to focus on rebuilding the party rather than dwelling on past electoral setbacks. He maintained that political power must be earned through organisation and hard work, challenging party leaders and candidates to contribute meaningfully to future electoral victories. Wike also expressed confidence that INEC’s actions would ultimately confirm the legitimacy of his faction. The leadership at the Wadata Plaza gathering later presented certificates of return to presidential candidate Sandy Onor, alongside governorship and other candidates, including Bolakale Kawu for Kwara State and Isa Pantami for Gombe State. Meanwhile, the Turaki-led faction announced that it had produced candidates for all elective positions and would contest every constituency in the 2027 elections. Turaki said the group had cleared 28 governorship candidates, 109 senatorial candidates, 360 House of Representatives candidates and 993 State House of Assembly candidates after extensive screening and verification processes. According to him, the exercise included background and security checks aimed at ensuring credible candidates and reducing the risk of post-election legal challenges.
The faction’s National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Dakas-Shan, further claimed that ward-based primaries had been successfully conducted nationwide and disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan had emerged as the faction’s presidential candidate. Speaking on behalf of the governorship aspirants, Delta State candidate Benedict Etanabene praised the process, describing it as transparent and in line with party procedures. The parallel presentation of candidates highlights the deepening struggle for control of the PDP and sets the stage for a fresh battle over legitimacy as the party moves closer to the formal submission of candidates for the 2027 elections.
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