Former President Goodluck Jonathan is set to appear before the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s sole presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The screening exercise is scheduled for Tuesday as part of the faction’s preparations for party primaries and nomination processes nationwide.
In a statement released on Sunday, the faction announced that screening for aspirants seeking various elective positions would commence at 10 a.m., with thousands of contenders expected to participate.
According to the party, the exercise will involve 2,122 aspirants for state houses of assembly seats, 748 House of Representatives hopefuls, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship contenders, and one presidential aspirant.
Although the statement did not officially identify the lone presidential aspirant, party sources later confirmed that Jonathan is the only individual cleared for the presidential screening.
Attempts to reach the faction’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, for further comments were reportedly unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The development has further intensified political discussions within the opposition party amid ongoing internal divisions and leadership disputes within the PDP.
The presidential screening committee is said to comprise 14 senior party figures and political leaders, including former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, and former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi.
Other members reportedly include PDP chieftain Olabode George, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenih, Abdul Bulama, Esther Uduehi, Tony Aziegbemi, Sunday Solari, and Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary.
The faction stated that the committee received approval during a recent National Executive Committee meeting.
Jonathan, who governed Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, has remained an influential political figure both within Nigeria and across Africa since leaving office.
His possible return to active presidential politics is expected to shape emerging alliances and political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.