THE faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki is set to screen former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential aspirant on Tuesday ahead of the party’s forthcoming primaries.
The PDP faction disclosed this in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Monday, announcing that the screening exercise for all aspirants would commence by 10am as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
According to the statement, a total of 2,122 state house of assembly aspirants, 748 house of representatives hopefuls, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship contenders and one presidential aspirant are expected to participate in the screening exercise.
Although the party did not officially reveal the identity of the lone presidential aspirant, its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.
However, a source within the party confirmed to News Point Nigeria that Jonathan is the sole presidential aspirant scheduled to be screened by the committee.
Among the 14-member screening committee are former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau State governor Jonah Jang, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi.
Other members of the committee include Olabode George, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenih, Abdul Bulama, Esther Uduehi, Tony Aziegbemi, the Edo PDP chairman, Sunday Solari, and Anicho Okoro, who will serve as the administrative secretary of the committee.
The statement further explained that the composition of the committee was approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) during its 104th meeting.
“This publication is in accordance with the party’s guidelines and timetable for the conduct of the 2027 general election,” the statement added.
The growing calls for Jonathan’s return to the presidency gained fresh momentum on May 7 when a group of youths under the aegis of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan staged a solidarity rally at his Abuja residence, urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
However, the former president had said he would consult widely before making a final decision on his political future.
