Factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has revealed that the party already knows individuals who will not be permitted to emerge as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
Turaki also reaffirmed the PDP’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern part of the country, stressing, however, that the identity of the eventual flagbearer remains undecided.
“We don’t know who our candidate will be, but we know those who will not be,” Turaki said.
He spoke to journalists on Tuesday evening after leading members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) and other stakeholders to a courtesy visit to former Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo at his Abuja residence.
According to Turaki, the visit was to formally introduce newly elected NWC members who emerged from the party’s recent National Elective Convention held in Ibadan. He said the delegation also included members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), founding members, National Assembly members, state party chairmen, former ministers, governors, and other key stakeholders.
Turaki said discussions with the former Vice President were productive, focusing on the party’s prospects and challenges following the Ibadan convention, adding that Sambo offered valuable advice on repositioning the PDP as a viable platform for winning future elections.
“The most important takeaway for us is the assurance from His Excellency that he remains a member of the PDP and will soon become more active in the affairs of the party,” Turaki said.
He added that Sambo pledged to provide guidance and support whenever called upon, describing the reassurance as a boost to the party’s efforts at rebuilding and unity.
Turaki expressed confidence that the PDP was on the path to reclaiming its dominance, assuring members and Nigerians that the party would begin its electoral comeback with upcoming contests, including the Federal Capital Territory area council elections as well as the off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
On the Federal High Court judgment dismissing a suit filed by the party’s immediate past National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Turaki described the ruling as a vindication of the current PDP leadership.
“The judgment of Justice Umar has reaffirmed that we are the legitimate leaders of the PDP and that our convention was properly conducted,” he said, adding that the Supreme Court’s decisions on internal party matters remain final and binding.
He warned against what he described as self-styled claims to party leadership, stressing the need for discipline and respect for party structures.
Responding to questions about the possibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan contesting the 2027 election, Turaki reiterated that the PDP’s presidential ticket is zoned to the South but remains open to all eligible party members from the region.
“The process will be open, transparent, fair, and equitable,” he said. “Nigerians and PDP members will ultimately decide who becomes our presidential candidate in 2027.”