Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed moves by a rival faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to adopt former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, insisting that no individual can be drafted into a race without first expressing interest.
Wike spoke on Monday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, where he criticized the decision of the faction led by Tanimu Turaki to ratify Jonathan as the party’s presidential flag-bearer.
Questioning the rationale behind the move, the FCT Minister argued that it was improper for any political group to nominate a candidate who had not publicly declared an intention to contest.
“Do you pick someone who hasn’t told you he wants to run for an election?” Wike asked.
The former Rivers State governor also dismissed suggestions that the PDP was divided, maintaining that the party has only one recognised presidential candidate.
“There’s no division in the PDP and the only candidate of the PDP is Prof. Sandy Onor,” he stated.
Wike’s remarks followed an announcement by the Turaki-led faction that it had adopted Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
In a statement issued by its National Spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, the faction disclosed that a formal flag presentation ceremony for Jonathan would be held on a date to be announced later.
The group further claimed that despite alleged intimidation and pressure, its delegates unanimously endorsed the former president during a ratification exercise conducted earlier in May.
The development has further highlighted the deepening leadership dispute within the PDP, which is currently split between two rival camps.
One faction is led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and enjoys the backing of Wike, while the other is headed by Turaki, who served in Jonathan’s administration.
The faction supported by Wike and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already nominated Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for 2027.
Onor has accepted the nomination and has since called on party members nationwide to rally behind his candidacy.
Jonathan, however, has yet to publicly respond to or acknowledge the endorsement by the rival faction, leaving uncertainty over whether he has any intention of returning to the presidential race.
The latest disagreement underscores the growing battle for control of the PDP as competing factions intensify efforts to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
