Keyamo urges Jonathan to reject PDP faction’s 2027 presidential nomination

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly reject a 2027 presidential nomination reportedly offered to him by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Keyamo made the call following reports that a group within the PDP, led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, endorsed Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate during a convention held in Abuja.

In a statement posted on his social media platform on Sunday, Keyamo questioned the legitimacy of the faction and argued that the group lacks official recognition within the party structure and by the electoral authorities.

According to the minister, associating a former president with what he described as an unauthorized political process could damage Jonathan’s reputation and legacy.

Keyamo criticized the manner in which the nomination was announced, describing it as an exercise carried out by individuals who do not have the legal authority to nominate candidates on behalf of the PDP.

He urged Jonathan to distance himself from the endorsement and issue a public statement rejecting the nomination in order to avoid any misunderstanding about his political intentions ahead of the 2027 general election.

The controversy has further highlighted the ongoing divisions within the opposition PDP, which has been grappling with internal disputes and competing political interests ahead of the next election cycle.

Reports indicate that different groups within the party have continued to advance separate political agendas, raising concerns about unity within the PDP as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

Political observers note that any presidential candidate seeking to contest under a political party must emerge through processes recognized by the party’s officially constituted leadership and comply with guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Jonathan has yet to publicly comment on the reported nomination. The former president, who left office in 2015 after conceding defeat in the presidential election, has largely remained outside active partisan politics in recent years and has focused on regional diplomacy, election observation missions, and peace-building initiatives across Africa.

As reactions continue to trail the endorsement, attention is now focused on whether Jonathan will formally respond to the nomination and clarify his position regarding the 2027 presidential race.

Meanwhile, the PDP leadership has continued efforts to address internal disagreements as the party seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the next general election.