House of Representatives Minority Leader Fred Agbedi said on Monday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the 2027 general Elections if former President Goodluck Jonathan appears on the ballot. The comment came during an interview on Arise Television’s “Morning Show,” where Agbedi discussed the party’s preparation for the upcoming polls. He noted that the PDP remains strong despite the internal crisis it has faced, and that Jonathan’s potential candidacy would give the party a decisive advantage.
Agbedi acknowledged that Jonathan has not formally declared his intention to run in 2027, but he has also not ruled out the possibility. “With former President Jonathan on the ballot, PDP will win in 2027,” he said. “While we can agree that he has not mentioned running in 2027, he has also not ruled out the possibility.” He added that the party still has to decide whether the Wike faction or the Turaki faction will field the presidential candidate. “The question of whether it will be the Wike faction or the Turaki faction of the PDP that fields the party’s presidential candidate is yet to be decided. We are confident that the judgement will go our way,” he said.
The PDP’s internal divisions have been a source of concern for the party’s leadership. The Wike faction, led by former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, and the Turaki faction, headed by former PDP national chairman Taminu Turaki, have been competing for control of the party’s national platform. The most recent development in this rivalry was the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) rejection of Jonathan’s nomination submitted by the Turaki faction. INEC explained that nominations can only be processed through its designated online portal in line with electoral regulations, and the Turaki faction’s submission did not comply with that requirement.
Agbedi’s remarks come at a time when the PDP is preparing for the 2027 elections, which are scheduled to be held in the first half of the year. The party’s leadership has been working to consolidate its base and address the divisions that have weakened it in recent years. Despite these challenges, the party’s Minority Leader remains optimistic that a high‑profile candidate such as Jonathan could galvanise support and secure a victory.
The PDP’s position as the main opposition party in Nigeria means that its internal dynamics are closely watched by political observers. The party’s ability to present a united front will be crucial in the coming months, as it seeks to counter the ruling party’s influence and appeal to voters across the country. The outcome of the factional dispute over the presidential candidate will likely shape the party’s strategy and messaging in the run‑up to the elections.
In the meantime, the PDP’s leadership, including Agbedi, is focusing on strengthening the party’s organisational structure and ensuring that all nominations are submitted in compliance with INEC’s rules. The party’s future success will depend on its capacity to resolve internal conflicts, present a clear and credible platform, and mobilise its supporters for the 2027 general elections.
