By Peace Erewunmi

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has returned to political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly ratified him as its presidential candidate in absentia.

The development came during a special convention held in Abuja by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP, where party leaders moved to formally endorse Jonathan for the 2027 presidential race.

However, Jonathan was not present at the event. His Certificate of Return was instead received on his behalf by former Minister of Information and prominent PDP chieftain, Professor Jerry Gana.

According to party officials at the event, the decision followed what they described as broad consultations and support across party structures, leading to Jonathan’s adoption as a consensus candidate.

The announcement has further deepened tensions within the PDP, as another faction of the party led by Abdulrahman Mohammed dismissed the convention as illegal and unauthorised, insisting that all official primaries had already been concluded.

The opposing faction also maintained that the party had already selected its presidential candidate in line with its internal processes and the Electoral Act.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015, has not publicly commented on the latest endorsement or indicated interest in the 2027 presidential race.

As of the time of filing this report, reactions continue to trail the development as political observers debate its implications for the PDP’s internal unity ahead of the 2027 elections.