Wike Backed PDP Reportedly Picks VP Candidate As Turaki’s Faction Insists On Jonathan

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supported by Nyesom Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has allegedly chosen Babangida Umaru, the National Vice-Chairman for the North-East, to be the vice-presidential candidate alongside presidential candidate Sandy Onor as they prepare for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

A prominent figure within the National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed revealed that Umaru was selected after discussions with important stakeholders involving Onor and the party leadership.

The informant, who requested to remain unnamed due to lack of authorization to publicly reveal the information, stated that both candidates' information has been submitted to the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“We held extensive discussions and sought input from a variety of sources. Following these consultations, the NWC and the presidential candidate mutually decided on Babangida Umaru, who serves as the National Vice-Chairman for North-East, to be the vice-presidential candidate, and his information has been uploaded,” the informant shared.

News has learned that the Independent National Electoral Commission has set the closing time for political parties to present nomination forms for presidential and National Assembly candidates on July 11, 2026, at 6pm via its online portal.

The process, which initiated on June 27, involved the submission of Forms EC9, EC9A, and EC9E as stipulated by Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act of 2026.

Moreover, the commission has arranged for the nomination forms for gubernatorial and state Assembly candidates to be submitted starting from 9am on July 18 and concluding at 6pm on August 8.

The PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jungudo, confirmed the successful completion of the upload process for the National Assembly candidates.

He also acknowledged that the names of both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates have been submitted but did not officially disclose the name of the running mate.

“We have finalized the uploads for the National Assembly, and everything is progressing well. We have completed the uploads for the National Assembly. There are no outstanding entries. We have also uploaded the details for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates,” stated Jungudo.

“Concerning the identity of the vice-presidential candidate, if it wasn’t announced by the national chairman or myself, then it’s not officially confirmed.”

Jungudo indicated that the party’s next focus will be on finalizing the nominations for gubernatorial and state Assembly candidates before forming committees to organize its campaigns.

“In terms of our preparations, the uploading of candidates represents a significant step forward in the procedure. Once we have finalized the governorship and state Assembly candidates, we will then wait for the official campaign start date,” he remarked.

“During this interim period, we are establishing various committees to lead the campaign efforts.”

He expressed optimism regarding the party's potential success in the elections, asserting that ongoing legal challenges would not deter the party's leaders, candidates, and supporters.

“We are thoroughly prepared, and the legal matters will not hinder us in any way. Everything is proceeding smoothly, and shortly, we will announce the different committees that will guide the campaign towards our victory,” he concluded.
Jungudo urged candidates to engage actively with party leadership and relevant parties within their electoral districts.

"Our candidates need to focus more. They must keep in mind the words of our national leader: power is not handed to you easily; you must strive to attain it.

"They must take responsibility, fulfill their obligations, and work in collaboration with all party leaders and influencers at every level.”

He mentioned that the PDP aims to secure a majority of positions in the National Assembly and state assemblies, alongside winning governorship races in at least two-thirds of the states.

"When it comes to the presidential election, our strategy remains confidential. Nonetheless, I can assure you that our candidates are feeling optimistic, and I want that enthusiasm to continue," he stated.

Turaki Faction Insists On Jonathan
Conversely, the Interim National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki dismissed the Onor-Umaru ticket, asserting that former President Goodluck Jonathan continues to be their chosen candidate for presidency.

The group's Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, indicated that they were not worried about the actions of the Wike-supported leadership operating out of the PDP national headquarters located in Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

"Jonathan is still the legitimate presidential candidate of the PDP. Has he communicated otherwise? No, certainly not. He continues to be our candidate," Ememobong stated.

Regarding the faction's inability to access the INEC nomination platform, he mentioned that the concern would be addressed at the right moment.

"Concerning the INEC code and uploading, just wait for the appropriate time; the correct processes will be followed, and any issues will be rectified," he explained.

Ememobong charged the Federal Government with not creating an environment conducive to multi-party democracy.

He remarked that numerous Nigerians have lost faith in the electoral system due to beliefs that it has already been undermined.

"We are not disturbed by the appointments or choices of the other group at Wadata Plaza for the presidential candidate and running mate," he stated.

"We have no interest in their activities. This is why you observe our silence regarding their actions. We are unaware of their activities, and we have no concern for it."