A faction of Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has affirmed that former President Goodluck Jonathan remains a registered member of the party. The group disclosed that Jonathan recently completed the PDP’s digital membership registration for his ward, confirming his continued affiliation.
In a statement released on Saturday, the faction’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, refuted circulating social‑media posters that suggested the former president had joined another political party ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement described the images – some portraying Jonathan as a presidential candidate, others pairing him with different politicians as a running mate – as “misleading” and urged Nigerians to disregard them.
According to the faction, Jonathan’s membership was reconfirmed during a recent meeting with the party’s interim National Working Committee. The clarification was deemed necessary because Nigerian law prohibits an individual from belonging to more than one political party simultaneously. The statement warned that certain individuals might attempt to register Jonathan, or other politicians, in multiple parties without their consent.
The Turaki‑led faction called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the public to ignore any alleged registration records or campaign materials that link Jonathan to parties other than the PDP. It emphasized that Jonathan’s name appears only on the PDP’s official membership list, as verified through the party’s electronic registration system.
The dispute arises amid growing speculation about potential candidates for the 2027 presidential race, a contest that has seen several high‑profile politicians being linked to various parties through unofficial channels. By publicly confirming Jonathan’s PDP membership, the Turaki faction seeks to preempt misinformation that could affect voter perception and party dynamics.
Further developments are expected as the PDP prepares for its internal primaries and as INEC continues to monitor party registrations ahead of the upcoming elections.
