Three prominent political figures have emerged as presidential candidates on different political platforms ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, signalling an early intensification of the race for the country’s highest office.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan was adopted as the presidential candidate of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party during a special convention held in Abuja on Saturday. The gathering, however, was marked by controversy after security personnel blocked access to the initial venue, forcing organisers to relocate proceedings.
The faction, led by former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki, proceeded with the convention at an alternative location in Garki, where Jonathan was endorsed in absentia. A certificate confirming his nomination was received on his behalf by former lawmaker Fred Agbedi.
Tensions rose after unidentified individuals reportedly disrupted activities at the original venue. Witnesses said some participants were attacked, prompting attendees and journalists to flee before security operatives restored calm.
Turaki defended the legitimacy of the convention, arguing that the faction’s actions were consistent with judicial rulings and the party’s constitution. He accused political opponents of attempting to stifle democratic processes through intimidation.
Also addressing supporters, elder statesman Jerry Gana expressed concern about the state of democracy in the country, questioning the independence of electoral institutions and criticising the deployment of security personnel around the convention venue.
Despite the endorsement, the mainstream PDP leadership rejected the exercise, maintaining that former senator Sandy Onor remains the party’s recognised presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi officially accepted the presidential ticket of the Nigerian Democratic Coalition and unveiled a broad reform programme focused on security, healthcare, power supply and economic recovery.
Obi said Nigeria was facing serious challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship and declining confidence in government institutions.
He pledged to tackle insecurity through technology-driven strategies while addressing factors such as poverty and unemployment.
The former governor also promised improvements in healthcare coverage and electricity generation, arguing that both sectors are critical to national development.
In a separate development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement.
Accepting the nomination, Makinde unveiled what he called a “Reset Nigeria Agenda,” which he said would focus on economic reforms, restructuring the petroleum sector, improving food security and overhauling the country’s security framework.
He pledged to introduce transparent pricing mechanisms for petroleum products, reform the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and pursue changes to the ownership structure of state-owned refineries.
Makinde also advocated decentralising security operations to give state governments greater authority in responding to threats within their territories.
The governor said his administration would prioritise practical solutions to economic and security challenges, stressing that governance should deliver measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
His nomination received support from political leaders across regions, including a delegation from Bauchi State, which described him as a capable leader with the vision and experience required to guide the country.
With multiple parties already presenting candidates and policy agendas, preparations for the 2027 presidential election are beginning to take shape amid ongoing political realignments and internal party disputes.
