(L-R) Peoples Democratic Party National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, and National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), addressing a press conference on the newly initiated reconciliation efforts over the PDP crisis in Abuja on Wednesday. Photo Credit: Abdulrahman Zakariyau
The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has denied allegations that it barred 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, insisting that all interested aspirants remain free to purchase and submit their forms within the approved timeframe.
“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,” the statement said.
Ememobong explained that the party recently extended the deadline for the purchase and submission of forms following appeals from party members.
“By the amended timetable, the last date for purchase and return of completed forms is Friday, 22nd May 2026, and the special screening for those yet to be screened is on Saturday, 23rd May 2026,” he said.
The PDP faction also maintained that although the party had zoned its presidential ticket to the South, no Nigerian could be constitutionally prevented 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 stated.
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 days after the Turaki-led PDP announced plans to screen former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential aspirant.
However, the faction later waived the screening requirement for Jonathan, with former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu saying the former president did not need to undergo screening because of his status as a former leader of the country.
