Fresh divisions have surfaced within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following disagreements over a plan to endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The dispute is between a faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and another led by Tanimu Turaki. The Turaki-led group announced plans to hold a convention in Abuja on Saturday to formally ratify Jonathan’s candidacy.

However, the Wike-backed leadership rejected the move, insisting that no such convention had been approved by the party. In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed described reports of the planned endorsement as false and unauthorised.

The faction urged party members and the public to ignore the announcement, stressing that the PDP had already completed its internal processes in line with electoral laws and party guidelines. It also called on Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the planned event and asked security agencies to investigate those behind it.

The Turaki-led faction, however, insisted that the convention would go ahead. Its spokesman, Ini Ememobong, accused Wike of attempting to pressure the management of A Class Event Centre in Abuja not to host the gathering.

According to the faction, all necessary arrangements had been made, including payment for the venue and notification of security agencies. It maintained that efforts to stop the event amounted to political intimidation and an attack on democratic rights.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration warned that hotels, event centres and public facilities could face sanctions if they host gatherings organised by groups it considers illegal. The administration said operators must verify the legal status of organisations before approving the use of their facilities.

The controversy highlights growing tensions within the PDP as rival groups continue to battle for influence ahead of the 2027 general election.