2027: PDP opens presidential race to southern aspirants

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of its National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, has formally opened its presidential contest for the 2027 general election to qualified aspirants from Southern Nigeria.

The decision was taken late Tuesday during a strategic meeting at the Abuja residence of former Vice President, Namadi Sambo. The meeting was attended by key party stakeholders, including Turaki himself.

Addressing party leaders at the gathering, Turaki said the PDP has resolved to run an inclusive, transparent and credible primary process that would allow members to freely choose the party’s presidential flag bearer.

According to him, the party would not impose any candidate, stressing that Nigerians—through PDP members—would ultimately determine who emerges.

“Anyone who meets the requirements and wishes to contest will be allowed to do so. Nigerians will decide who becomes the PDP’s candidate through a transparent process,” Turaki stated.

He emphasized that the party’s decision restricts the contest to aspirants of Southern Nigerian origin, assuring all contenders of equal opportunity.

“The presidential ticket is open to every PDP member from Southern Nigeria or of southern extraction. The process will be open, fair, equitable and transparent, creating a level playing field for all,” he said.

Turaki explained that the zoning arrangement effectively positions former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent southern political figures to seek the party’s nomination ahead of the 2027 polls.

Meanwhile, the PDP chairman welcomed recent court judgments dismissing legal challenges by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who has laid claim to the position of National Secretary under a rival faction.

Turaki described the rulings as a boost for party unity and internal order, noting that they reaffirm the legitimacy of the current leadership.

It was gathered that within 24 hours, both the Federal Capital Territory High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed suits filed by Anyanwu seeking official recognition as PDP National Secretary.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who presided over the Federal High Court matter, ruled against Anyanwu’s claims, effectively weakening the factional challenge.

The judgments are widely viewed as consolidating the authority of the Turaki-led leadership as the PDP intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election.