PDP Divided Over Jonathan, Obi for 2027

A fresh wave of internal debate has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over who should emerge as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election—former President Goodluck Jonathan or former Labour Party (LP) flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi.

Top-ranking PDP figures have been tasked with persuading Jonathan to re-enter the presidential race, with the promise of an automatic ticket. This push is reportedly fueled by uncertainties surrounding Obi’s willingness to fully return to the PDP.

Insiders revealed that some party heavyweights are leaning toward Jonathan because he would be constitutionally limited to one term, offering what they see as a transitional presidency. A PDP Board of Trustees member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that although Obi has pledged to serve only one term, Jonathan is still viewed as the more stabilizing option.

“Serious moves are underway to bring Jonathan back,” the source said. “Many of our northern colleagues believe it’s best for him to finish his second term. It’s not that Obi is out of the picture, but the situation in the Labour Party makes it risky to place all our bets on him.”

The possibility of Jonathan’s return was reportedly discussed during a recent gathering of PDP leaders in The Gambia. That meeting also addressed funding strategies for the 2027 elections.

Lawal Muazu, aide to Governor Bala Mohammed, disclosed that his principal, Senator Abdul Ningi, and Jonathan attended a summit in The Gambia focused on democracy and bilateral ties. In a Facebook post, Muazu emphasized that the visit was also part of a broader initiative to enhance the role of African statesmen in conflict resolution and democratic governance.

A year ago, Governor Mohammed declared that he would only step aside from his own presidential ambitions if Jonathan decided to run. “If we can persuade him, I’ll support him with my blood,” he had said.

On the other hand, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, a South-East leader of the Obidient Movement, argued that Obi has every reason to stay away from the PDP for now, calling it “risky to swim in a river filled with sharks and crocodiles.” He said the party’s stability can only be assessed after its national convention in November, scheduled to hold in Ibadan.

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However, former PDP National Chairman Prof. Jerry Gana is confident that Obi, if he returns to the PDP, can defeat any opponent in 2027, especially in the North. Speaking on Arise News, Gana said: “Peter Obi, under the PDP, will beat anyone in the North. Our people are fair-minded and just.”

Gana confirmed that the party was in talks with Obi. “We are reaching out to him. Peter is good, but we are also considering others who might be better. We’re still searching,” he added.

He also reflected on the 2023 elections, expressing regret: “We made a mistake. If I were Atiku, I would’ve offered Obi the Vice Presidency. But he didn’t.”