Turaki-Led PDP Fixes Tuesday For Jonathan’s Screening
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has scheduled the screening of former President Goodluck Jonathan for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as the party’s lone presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The faction disclosed the development in a statement announcing the screening exercise scheduled for 10 a.m. nationwide, which forms part of the party’s timetable and guidelines for the 2027 elections.
A 14-member screening committee has been constituted to assess Jonathan. The committee includes former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi.
Other members listed are Chief Olabode George, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenih, Dr Abdul Bulama, Dr Esther Uduehi, Edo State PDP chairman Tony Aziegbemi, Dr Sunday Solari, and Chief Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary.According to the faction, the committee list was approved by the National Executive Committee at its 104th meeting.
Although the faction’s statement referred only to “one presidential aspirant,” party sources confirmed that Jonathan is the sole contender expected before the panel.
The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, previously disclosed that Jonathan successfully completed the party’s fresh digital membership registration exercise directed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).The faction also dismissed as fake a series of campaign posters circulating on social media that falsely portrayed Jonathan as a member of other political parties.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 26 for judgment in a suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.The suit, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, argues that Jonathan has exhausted the constitutional limit for a president, having completed the tenure of the late Umaru Yar’Adua before serving another full term following the 2011 election.Jonathan’s counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), has asked the court to dismiss the suit with a cost of N50 million, while the Attorney General of the Federation has also urged the court to throw out the claim.
Jonathan has not publicly declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.The former president has said he would consult widely before making a final decision on the race.
The faction also announced plans to screen 748 House of Representatives aspirants, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship aspirants, and 2,122 state House of Assembly aspirants across the country as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.