PDP faction denies barring aspirants from nomination forms

The Peoples Democratic Party faction led by Kabiru Turaki has dismissed claims that it prevented presidential aspirants from obtaining nomination forms ahead of its primary election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the faction’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, described the allegations as unfounded, insisting that all interested aspirants remain free to purchase and submit their forms within the stipulated period.

He said the Interim National Working Committee was not aware of any action by party officials to hinder aspirants from participating in the process.

Ememobong also disclosed that the party had extended the deadline for the purchase and submission of forms following requests from members. Under the revised timetable, the deadline is now May 22, 2026, while a special screening for outstanding aspirants is scheduled for May 23.

The faction maintained that although the party had zoned its presidential ticket to the South, no individual could be legally barred from contesting for elective office.

It urged the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise, reaffirming that the nomination process remains open and accessible to all eligible aspirants.

The clarification comes amid controversy surrounding the faction’s earlier move to screen former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential aspirant.

However, the faction later waived the screening requirement for Jonathan, with Babangida Aliyu stating that the former president’s status made the process unnecessary.