The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the stewardship of National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, has formally declared its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election open to all qualified aspirants of Southern Nigerian origin.
The announcement, which significantly clarifies the party’s strategic direction, was made on Tuesday evening following a high-level consultative meeting at the Abuja residence of the former Vice President, Namadi Sambo.
Addressing the assembly, Mr Turaki emphasised that while it remained premature to forecast the eventual flag-bearer, the party is steadfast in its pledge to facilitate a rigorous and transparent primary process. He assured the electorate that the ultimate decision regarding the candidacy would rest with the party membership.
“Should any individual wish to contest, for whatever reason, we wish to assure Nigerians that they shall be the arbiters of who becomes their candidate,” Mr Turaki stated.
The Chairman further clarified that the contest is strictly reserved for members of Southern Nigerian descent, a move designed to ensure equity. “The process shall be open, transparent, fair, and equitable, providing a level playing field for every aspirant from the South,” he added.
By restricting the ticket to Southern candidates, the Turaki-led leadership has effectively cleared a path for prominent political figures to consider a bid for the presidency. This includes former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose potential return to the political fray has long been the subject of national speculation.
The party’s insistence on a “level playing field” suggests a move away from internal imposition, aiming instead to foster a democratic environment that can withstand the pressures of a general election.
The meeting also served as an occasion for the leadership to celebrate a significant judicial victory. Mr Turaki expressed profound satisfaction with a recent judgment by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, which dismissed a suit brought forward by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a factional National Secretary.
This ruling followed closely on the heels of a separate decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Mohammed Umar similarly dismissed Mr Anyanwu’s claims for official recognition.
Mr Turaki described these legal outcomes as a “reaffirmation of internal discipline” and a validation of the party’s adherence to due process. Observers suggest that these consecutive court victories have substantially bolstered the authority of the Turaki-led executive as they begin the arduous task of preparing for the 2027 polls.
