2027:  There will be consequences for defecting with PDP mandates – Turaki 

​Tanimu Turaki, the factional leader and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Interim National Management Committee (INMC), warned on Wednesday that the party will no longer tolerate elected members defecting to rival parties with its mandate.

​Turaki gave the warning in Abuja during the presentation of certificates of return to candidates, ahead of the 2027 general election. He insisted that all candidates must sign a legal undertaking against defection as a condition for submitting their names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

​The decision follows recent political developments where nearly all governors elected on the PDP platform defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

​Structural checks continue despite INEC approval delay
​BusinessDay checks show that while the faction is yet to secure formal backing from INEC, it has continued full operations, including conducting primaries for state and national elective offices.

​During his address to the candidates, Turaki emphasised that the strict anti-defection measures are designed to protect the party’s electoral investments.

​”What happened before will not happen again,” Turaki said. “Moving forward, nobody will take our mandate to another political party and get away with it. This undertaking is part of the conditions we are submitting to INEC alongside your names.”

​Despite the rigid conditions, he expressed confidence in the selected flagbearers, adding that thorough screenings confirmed their suitability for the roles.

​Party conducts strict background checks to protect victories
​Turaki stated that the PDP is positioning itself to present unparalleled candidates to challenge the APC. He noted that the selection process was methodical to avoid post-election legal losses.

​According to the chairman, the party is still conducting background checks on some emerged candidates to ensure they are beyond reproach and possess the credibility to deliver on democratic governance. He added that the strategy aims to return the PDP to its core legacy of public service delivery.

​Turaki concluded by stating that the faction’s presidential candidate holds a stronger profile than any opponent, including the APC’s flagbearer, urging members to campaign with confidence. A total of 28 governorship candidates received their certificates of return for the 2027 polls.