Full List: Jonathan Emerges PDP’s 2027 Standard-Bearer As 21 Gov’ship Candidates Receive Certificates

According to Ireporter Online, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong warning to its candidates against defection after securing the party’s mandate, stating that all aspirants whose names will be forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections must sign undertakings pledging loyalty to the party.

The opposition party made this known on Wednesday during the presentation of Certificates of Return to 21 governorship candidates, as it reaffirmed its preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party also confirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the upcoming poll.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the PDP Interim National Working Committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), said the move was aimed at preventing a repeat of past incidents where elected officials abandoned the party after benefiting from its platform. He stressed that no candidate would be allowed to “take the party’s mandate to another political party and get away with it,” adding that written undertakings would be mandatory before nominations are submitted to INEC.

Turaki further disclosed that the party had conducted extensive background checks and security screenings on its governorship candidates to avoid legal and credibility challenges that could jeopardize its chances at the polls. He noted that the PDP was determined not to suffer post-election setbacks at tribunals due to candidate-related issues.

He added that a few aspirants were still undergoing final verification, describing their issues as minor but significant enough to require clearance before full approval. Despite this, he expressed confidence that the party was fully prepared for the 2027 elections, insisting that the PDP would field candidates in all constituencies and contest with the aim of winning.

The National Organising Secretary of the PDP Interim National Working Committee, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, also confirmed that former President Goodluck Jonathan had emerged as the party’s presidential candidate after completing the required nomination processes. He added that the party successfully concluded its nationwide nomination exercise despite earlier internal and legal challenges.

Shan revealed that the PDP has so far produced 28 governorship candidates, 109 senatorial candidates, 360 House of Representatives candidates, and 993 House of Assembly candidates for the 2027 elections. He attributed the progress to the party’s ability to stabilise after recent leadership challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP State Chairmen Forum, Ondo State Chairman Barrister Dupe Aisida commended the Interim National Working Committee for restoring stability to the party, describing the PDP as stronger, more united, and fully prepared for the electoral contest.

Among those who received Certificates of Return as governorship candidates are Lawal Mohammed Umar (Kaduna), Hassan Oladimeji Ali (Kwara), Zanna Gadama Mustapha (Borno), Ibeabuchi Ihenechukwu (Abia), Effiong Eyamba (Cross River), Sherrig Abdullahi (Yobe), Donatus Nwogbo (Enugu), Eze Alexander (Ebonyi), Etenabene Benedict (Delta), Taofeek Arapaja (Oyo), Caleb Maigbadani (Adamawa), Mohammed Ahmed Yayari (Gombe), Victor Richard (Rivers), Senator Joel Ikenya (Taraba), Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kebbi), Mohammed Ja’afaru (Nasarawa), Oladelipopu Adebisi (Ogun), Mohammed Kabir (Kano), Emmanuel Agbo (Benue), Adetokumbo Pearce (Lagos), and Sunday Garba (Plateau).