The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed allegations that it prevented presidential aspirants from obtaining nomination forms ahead of the party’s presidential primary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the faction’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, described the claims as false and misleading, insisting that all interested aspirants remain free to purchase and submit their nomination forms within the stipulated period.
According to Ememobong, the party’s Interim National Working Committee had not authorised or carried out any action aimed at stopping aspirants from participating in the process.
“We state clearly that the Interim National Working Committee is not aware of any hindrance by the party through its officials to prevent anybody from purchasing the forms,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the party recently extended the deadline for the purchase and submission of forms following appeals from members and stakeholders.
“By the amended timetable, the last date for purchase and return of completed forms is Friday, 22nd May 2026, while the special screening for those yet to be screened will hold on Saturday, 23rd May 2026,” he added.
The faction also reaffirmed that although the party had zoned its presidential ticket to the South, no Nigerian could constitutionally be barred from contesting for elective office.
“To this end, we urge the public to discountenance any story alleging that the party is preventing people from purchasing forms,” Ememobong said.
“We reiterate that our forms are still available during the period specified in the amended timetable, and all Nigerians seeking to genuinely contest on our platform are free to obtain, fill and return their forms.”
The clarification comes amid controversy surrounding the faction’s earlier announcement that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be screened as its sole presidential aspirant.
However, the faction later waived the screening requirement for Jonathan, with former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu stating that the former president did not need to undergo screening because of his status as a former Nigerian leader.
Comments