Former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, has disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan has been cleared to contest the 2027 presidential election as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Aliyu made the revelation in Abuja on Thursday after the screening exercise conducted by the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP Interim National Working Committee (INWC) Presidential and Gubernatorial Screening Committee.

The former governor, who stood in for former Vice President Namadi Sambo, explained that Jonathan was granted a waiver by the party due to his extensive political experience and credentials.

“As you know, the party had already given a presidential aspirant the waiver,” Aliyu said while briefing journalists.

“He was deputy governor, became governor, vice president and president, so we didn’t see anything that needed screening. Therefore, the party had given him a waiver. In other words, he has been cleared and declared the candidate of the PDP for the presidential election, and that is President Jonathan.”

The development comes amid growing speculation over Jonathan’s possible return to active presidential politics ahead of the 2027 elections. Although supporters of the former president reportedly purchased a presidential nomination form on his behalf, Jonathan has yet to publicly confirm his intention to contest.

The PDP has remained divided by an internal leadership crisis, with separate factions emerging within the party structure. One bloc is led by Abdulrahman Mohammed-backed officials, while another faction operates under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki.

Last week, a separate presidential screening committee reportedly screened Senator Sandy Onor under the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction, highlighting the continued division within the opposition party.

Aliyu also disclosed that 12 governorship aspirants from states including Delta State, Taraba State, Kebbi State, Kano State and Akwa Ibom State were screened ahead of next week’s governorship primaries.

He further revealed that Taofeek Arapaja, the National Secretary of the Turaki-led INWC and former deputy governor of Oyo State, was also granted a waiver to participate in the governorship primary in the state.

The latest development is expected to intensify political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election, particularly as opposition parties continue consultations over possible alliances and candidate positioning.