…Sparks debate questioning PDP’s ability to challenge APC
Fresh political developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have intensified discussions over a possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the presidential race, as preparations for his reported screening coincide with growing doubts about the opposition party’s electoral strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP has fixed today Tuesday for the screening of Jonathan, in what the party described as its sole presidential aspirant, according to reports from within the party.
The development has renewed speculation about Jonathan’s political future, particularly after reports emerged that the former president recently completed the party’s fresh digital membership registration exercise directed by the electoral authorities.
A 14-member screening committee headed by Tanimu Turaki has been constituted for the exercise. Other notable members include former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau State governor Jonah Jang, and former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi. Also listed on the committee are: Olabode George, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenih, Abdul Bulama, Esther Uduehi, Edo State PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi, Sunday Solarin, and Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary.
Beyond the presidential screening, the Makinde-backed PDP faction also announced plans to screen a large number of aspirants seeking elective positions nationwide. The exercise will reportedly involve 748 House of Representatives aspirants, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship aspirants, and 2,122 State House of Assembly aspirants beginning Tuesday at 10 a.m.
However, the reported move has already triggered political debate, with an analyst, Idowu Johnson expressing doubts over both Jonathan’s interest and the PDP’s chances of returning to power.
Reacting to reports of Jonathan’s planned screening, Johnson questioned whether the development represented a serious political bid, noting that the former president had repeatedly distanced himself from presidential ambitions in the past. “Well, I’m not sure whether it is very serious. Jonathan himself has denied having any interest; and even his wife has said people should allow her husband to rest”, he said.
The analyst further argued that even if Jonathan eventually decides to contest, the PDP may face an uphill task in challenging the ruling party due to shifting political realities and the weakened structure of the opposition. According to him, the political influence Jonathan once enjoyed during his presidency over a decade ago may no longer carry the same weight in Nigeria’s current landscape.
Johnson also maintained that the PDP has suffered significant political setbacks after years outside power, adding that regional alignments and political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections have changed considerably.
