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The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic new twist, with rival factions of the opposition party holding separate events in Abuja to unveil candidates and distribute certificates of return ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The parallel gatherings, which took place on Wednesday, further exposed the deep divisions within the party as both camps insisted they are the legitimate leadership of the PDP.
The latest development comes at a crucial time, just days before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to provide political parties with access codes for uploading details of their candidates for upcoming elections.
One of the factions, aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held a National Executive Committee meeting at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja. During the event, party leaders presented certificates of return to candidates seeking various elective positions.
Addressing supporters, Wike urged party members to focus on rebuilding the PDP and positioning it for future electoral success rather than dwelling on past political disappointments.
He stressed that political victories can only be achieved through effective organization, dedication, and grassroots mobilization. Wike also expressed confidence that his faction would eventually receive official recognition from the electoral commission.
The faction went ahead to unveil its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Sandy Onor, alongside governorship candidates and other aspirants from different parts of the country.
Meanwhile, a rival group led by former Minister of Special Duties and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Tanimu Turaki, also convened a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where it announced the completion of its nationwide candidate selection process.
Turaki disclosed that his faction had successfully produced candidates for all elective positions, including governorship, National Assembly, and state legislative seats.
According to him, the candidates emerged after a comprehensive screening and verification exercise designed to ensure compliance with electoral regulations and maintain credibility within the party.
The faction further stated that it had successfully nominated candidates across all constituencies and remained fully prepared to participate in every available elective contest during the 2027 elections.
Adding another layer to the ongoing controversy, the faction’s National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Dakas-Shan, announced that former President Goodluck Jonathan had emerged as its presidential candidate through what he described as a valid nomination process.
He maintained that despite internal challenges and opposition, the group successfully conducted ward-based primaries across the country and remains confident in the legality of its decisions.
Representatives of the faction’s governorship candidates commended the process, describing it as transparent, credible, and consistent with democratic principles.
Political analysts say the parallel activities reflect the unresolved leadership dispute within the PDP and raise serious questions about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.
Attention is now focused on INEC, which is expected to determine which faction has the legal authority to submit candidates on behalf of the party.
Observers believe the commission’s decision could significantly influence the PDP’s political future and shape the broader electoral landscape as parties intensify preparations for the next general elections.
Analysts also warn that unless the party resolves its internal divisions, it could face major challenges in presenting a united front and mounting a strong challenge in what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched elections.
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