2027: PDP Courts Jonathan, Obi, Others As Party Zones Presidency To South

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is weighing the possibility of fielding either former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, revealed this while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.

Mohammed, who once served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, described Jonathan as “the most celebrated politician today,” recalling how he faced political blackmail before the 2015 election but was later vindicated by the courts. He emphasized that the former president remains a top contender if he decides to rejoin the PDP and signal readiness to run.

Equally, the governor hinted that Obi, the 2023 presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party (LP), would be considered if he chooses to return to the PDP. “If he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances, he will be given the opportunity too,” Mohammed noted.

Courting Obi And Closing Party Ranks

When asked if PDP governors were actively wooing Obi, Mohammed was quick to highlight his cordial relationship with the former Anambra governor. “Have you not seen him with me? He’s my brother, my friend. He’s one of the most celebrated politicians, too,” he said.

The Bauchi governor stressed that party leaders were working behind the scenes to forge alliances, consolidate ranks, and prepare for a formidable campaign. “You see him within the coalition or no coalition; definitely, we are not sleeping, only that we don’t make a noise,” he explained, underscoring a quiet but strategic reconciliation process ongoing within the opposition.

Beyond Obi and Jonathan, Mohammed mentioned other southern leaders, such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who are free to vie for the party’s ticket. He added that the PDP was keen on embracing political heavyweights who could add significant value to the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

Open Door For Returnees

Governor Mohammed also disclosed that conversations had been held with other influential figures who previously exited the PDP. He cited a recent meeting with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, a one-time PDP stalwart before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I even had a session with Governor Amaechi. I have not been sleeping. I have to make sure I create a closing-of-rank drive for people to come and help. If he wants to come back, he is free to,” Mohammed stated, leaving the door open for a possible reconciliation.

The Bauchi governor’s comments align with PDP’s broader reconciliation efforts, which seek to rebuild unity and strengthen its base after internal divisions hampered its 2023 campaign. Party elders have consistently urged leaders to prioritize inclusivity in order to reclaim power from the ruling APC.

PDP’s Zoning Decision And NEC Resolution

Earlier in the week, the PDP National Executive Council (NEC) announced that the party’s presidential ticket would be zoned to the South ahead of the 2027 election. The decision, reached during a meeting in Abuja, was viewed as a corrective step following the internal crises that marred its 2023 run.

The NEC also resolved to retain the chairmanship of the party in the North, affirming Umar Damagum as the acting National Chairman. This move, party insiders say, was designed to strike a balance and douse tension among stakeholders agitating for regional fairness.

By zoning its presidential ticket southward, the PDP hopes to consolidate goodwill and counter the narrative that it neglected the unwritten tradition of rotation, which critics say cost the party dearly in 2023 when it fielded Atiku Abubakar against widespread southern agitation.

Zoning And The Road To 2027

The zoning debate remains one of the most divisive issues in Nigerian politics. Currently, the presidency is occupied by President Bola Tinubu, a southerner and former Lagos governor, who secured victory under the APC in 2023. His party has since reaffirmed his candidacy for a second term in 2027.

The PDP’s decision to zone its ticket southwards signals its intent to challenge Tinubu on his home turf, while attempting to restore internal balance after last election’s fallout. In 2023, discontent within the PDP reached a climax when former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike and his allies opposed Atiku’s candidacy, eventually tilting support toward Tinubu.

As the political chessboard sets for 2027, the PDP appears to be realigning its strategies around figures like Jonathan, Obi, Makinde, and even potential returnees like Amaechi, in a bid to mount a credible challenge to the ruling APC. For now, all eyes remain on whether Jonathan or Obi would accept the offer and step forward as the flagbearer of Nigeria’s oldest opposition party.