2027: Turaki-led PDP formally presents certificates of return to 21 governorship aspirants, affirm Jonathan as flag bearer

The Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday presented Certificates of Return to its governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP also confirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The certificates were handed over during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, attended by members of the Interim National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees, state chairmen and governorship candidates.

The meeting was presided over by the National Chairman of the INWC, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, as part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 polls.

Speaking on behalf of the state chairmen, Dupe Aisida commended the committee for its commitment to sustaining the party across the country.

Aisida described the INWC as the “oxygen of the party,” saying its leadership had continued to provide the support needed to keep the PDP active despite various political challenges.

He praised the resilience and vision of the party leadership, noting that many had doubted the PDP’s ability to withstand what he described as pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.

According to him, the committee successfully navigated those challenges and kept the party united.

The highlight of the meeting was the formal presentation of Certificates of Return to all governorship candidates, officially confirming their emergence from the party’s primary elections.

Responding on behalf of the candidates, Benedict Etanabene expressed confidence in accepting the party’s tickets under the Turaki-led leadership.

“We did not take any risk by picking tickets under the Turaki-led PDP because, as a lawyer, I know that this is the authentic and mainstream party,” he said.

Etanabene also praised the party leadership for what he described as exceptional brilliance, adding that Nigerians experienced meaningful governance during the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Also speaking, the PDP governorship candidate for Adamawa State, Caleb Andrew, commended the leadership for its management of the party.

He expressed optimism that the PDP would record victories in governorship contests across the states and reclaim power at the national level in 2027.

The governorship candidates collectively pledged their continued support for the party leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to working for the PDP’s success in the forthcoming general elections.

Among those presented with Governorship Certificates of Return were 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).

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