A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), is set to screen a lone presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections, with indications pointing to former President Goodluck Jonathan as the contender.

The screening, scheduled for Tuesday, is part of a nationwide exercise involving more than 3,000 aspirants seeking elective positions on the platform of the party.

Although the party, in its official statement, did not disclose the identity of the presidential aspirant, referring only to “one presidential aspirant,” sources within the party confirmed that the aspirant is Jonathan.

The presidential screening committee is chaired by former Vice-President Namadi Sambo and includes former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi.

Other members of the committee 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 Solarin, and Chief Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary.

The development comes days after the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, announced that Jonathan had completed his registration as a PDP member under the party’s ongoing digital membership registration exercise.

The faction, reportedly backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, said the nationwide screening exercise would commence at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

According to the party, the exercise will also screen 748 aspirants for the House of Representatives, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship aspirants, and 2,122 aspirants for State Houses of Assembly seats.

The Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) has also released the composition of various screening committees and appeal panels in line with the party’s timetable and guidelines for the 2027 elections.

Jonathan’s emergence as the sole presidential aspirant within the faction is expected to heighten political discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential race, amid growing speculation over a possible return of the former president to active politics.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere, has declared his intention to contest the Owerri Zone senatorial seat on the PDP platform.

Madumere expressed confidence in his chances, citing his political experience, grassroots support, and commitment to equity and justice.

“I have the political reach, capability and capacity to win this election for our great party, the PDP. The people know me, my track record, and what I stand for, which is equity and justice,” he said.