In Abuja on May 19, 2026, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Kabiru Turaki cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election after granting him a waiver during the party’s screening process.
The decision was announced at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja during the screening of aspirants seeking different elective positions ahead of the next general elections. The faction is said to have the support of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Former Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu, who spoke for the screening committee, explained that Jonathan was exempted from the normal screening exercise because of his long political record, which includes serving as deputy governor, governor, vice president and president.
The committee therefore confirmed him as the faction’s presidential aspirant for the 2027 election. Another waiver was also granted to former Oyo State deputy governor Taofeek Arapaja, who was unable to attend the screening in Abuja.
The PDP faction also began nationwide screening exercises for aspirants contesting Senate, House of Representatives and state assembly seats.
According to information released by the party through its official social media platform, screening for presidential and governorship aspirants is being conducted at the national level in Abuja, while other categories are taking place in designated centres across the country.
The development comes as political parties continue preparations for the 2027 elections with screening exercises, primaries and internal consultations already underway in different parts of the country.