A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki is set to screen former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential aspirant on Tuesday ahead of the party’s 2027 primary elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the faction said the screening exercise for all aspirants would begin at 10am as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

According to the party, a total of 2,122 state assembly aspirants, 748 house of representatives hopefuls, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship aspirants, and one presidential aspirant are expected to undergo screening.

Although the statement did not officially reveal the identity of the lone presidential aspirant, party sources confirmed that Jonathan is the candidate scheduled for screening. Efforts to reach PDP spokesperson Ini Ememobong for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing the report.

The 14-member screening committee includes former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau governor Jonah Jang, and former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi.

Other committee members are Olabode George, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenih, Abdul Bulama, Esther Uduehi, Tony Aziegbemi, Sunday Solari, and Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary.

The party said the committee was approved by the National Executive Committee during its 104th meeting, adding that the process aligns with the party’s timetable and guidelines for the 2027 elections.

Calls for Jonathan’s return to power intensified earlier this month after a youth group, the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, staged a solidarity rally at his Abuja residence, urging him to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Jonathan, however, said he would consult widely before making a final decision on whether to join the race.