A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the submission of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, amid the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.

The faction’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC), led by Kabiru Turaki (SAN), disclosed that Jonathan’s name was submitted manually alongside those of governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly candidates, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated that INEC acknowledged receipt of the documents, despite allegedly denying the group access to the commission’s electronic submission portal.

Ememobong maintained that the faction represents the legitimate leadership of the PDP, arguing that a Supreme Court ruling had left the party without a legally recognised national leadership. He explained that this development necessitated the intervention of the party’s Board of Trustees and a National Executive Committee meeting, convened through members’ requisition, to establish an interim leadership structure.

According to him, the faction approached the Federal High Court in Abuja after INEC allegedly refused to recognise the interim leadership, despite being duly notified and reminded.

He also criticised a recent judgment by Justice Salim Oluwasupo Ibrahim, claiming it contradicted earlier rulings of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which form the basis of the faction’s position.

“The judgment reads more like an appeal on the decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal,” Ememobong said, adding that the faction has filed an appeal and is confident of a favourable outcome.

The group further alleged discrepancies in the Certified True Copy of the judgment, claiming that certain portions did not accurately reflect what was delivered in open court.

Ememobong accused INEC of failing to remain neutral, alleging that the commission had disregarded material facts and court orders favourable to the faction.

“The Commission’s filings, its arguments before the courts and its refusal to comply with court orders favourable to our party have collectively created an impression of institutional bias that should concern every Nigerian,” he stated.

He warned that if INEC publishes a list of candidates different from those submitted by the faction, it would reinforce concerns about the commission’s impartiality and suggest support for elements seeking to weaken the opposition.

The spokesman urged party members and supporters to remain resolute, assuring them that the faction would continue to pursue legal and constitutional remedies.

Describing the situation as part of a broader struggle to safeguard opposition politics, Ememobong cautioned against what he termed the drift toward a one-party state.

“Notwithstanding INEC’s refusal to provide us with the necessary access codes, we have successfully submitted, manually and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, the list of candidates sponsored by the authentic PDP,” he said.

He concluded by expressing confidence in the judiciary to resolve the leadership dispute, affirming the faction’s commitment to reclaiming the party through lawful means.