May 18, (THEWILL) — The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has adopted former President, Goodluck Jonathan, as its sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections and fixed Tuesday, May 19, 2026, for his screening.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the faction aligned with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announcing the constitution of a 14-member screening committee for Jonathan.
Although Jonathan has not publicly declared interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election, there is no indication that he purchased the party’s nomination form. However, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, had earlier disclosed that the former President completed the party’s fresh digital membership registration exercise introduced in compliance with directives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The screening committee set up by the Turaki-led faction includes former Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi.
Other members of the panel are Chief Olabode George, former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenih, Dr Abdul Bulama, Dr Esther Uduehi, Edo State PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, Dr Sunday Solari and Chief Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary.
The Turaki-led faction also announced plans to screen 748 House of Representatives aspirants, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship hopefuls and 2,122 State House of Assembly aspirants across the country.
According to the statement, the nationwide screening exercise for aspirants is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. in various states.
The Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) of the faction also released the names of members appointed to the Screening Committees and Screening Appeal Panels.
The statement added that the screening arrangements were released in line with the faction’s timetable and guidelines for preparations toward the 2027 general elections.
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