Wednesday January 21, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially declared that its 2027 presidential ticket will be open to all qualified aspirants from Southern Nigeria, a decision that clears the way for former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent southern figures to seek the party’s nomination.
According to Politics Nigeria, the PDP’s National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, disclosed this position during a courtesy visit to the Abuja residence of former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Turaki, who led members of the National Working Committee (NWC) on the visit, said the meeting was aimed at formally introducing the party’s new leadership to Sambo. In response, the former vice president reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and hinted at plans to play a more active role in the party in the coming months.
Addressing growing public interest in the 2027 presidential race, Turaki confirmed that the PDP has formally resolved to zone the presidency to the South, although the eventual flag bearer has yet to emerge.
He emphasized that the party remains committed to a transparent and inclusive primary process, assuring party members and the Nigerian public of a level playing field for all eligible southern aspirants.
“The process will be open, transparent, fair, and equitable. Every PDP member from Southern Nigeria or of southern origin who wishes to contest will be given equal opportunity. Nigerians will ultimately decide who becomes our candidate,” Turaki stated.
Beyond the 2027 election preparations, the PDP chairman also commented on recent legal developments involving the party. He welcomed a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, delivered by Justice Umar, which dismissed a suit filed by Samuel Anyanwu, describing the ruling as a significant boost to the party’s internal stability and discipline.
As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Turaki added that the PDP is working closely with its legal team to ensure all necessary documents for pending appeals are filed within stipulated timelines. He disclosed that the party is awaiting a decision from the President of the Court of Appeal on whether a regular or special panel will be constituted to hear the consolidated appeals.
