The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the presidential nomination of former President Goodluck Jonathan submitted by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a development that could further deepen the party’s internal leadership crisis.
INEC declined to recognise the nomination, maintaining that only candidates presented through processes conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and recognised party structures can be accepted for participation in the electoral process.
The nomination was forwarded by the faction led by Kabiru Turaki amid the PDP’s lingering leadership dispute, which has seen rival groups lay claim to the party’s national leadership and decision-making authority.
Although details surrounding the commission’s decision remain limited, the move underscores INEC’s position on strict compliance with electoral regulations and due process in the nomination of candidates.
The development is expected to fuel fresh political debate within the opposition party as stakeholders continue efforts to resolve the internal crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Neither former President Goodluck Jonathan nor representatives of the Kabiru Turaki-led faction had issued an official response at the time of filing this report.
