Former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi are among the prominent southern politicians the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering as potential candidates for the 2027 presidential election.
This was disclosed by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
Mohammed described Jonathan as “the most celebrated politician today,” noting that despite facing political blackmail before the 2015 presidential election, he was eventually cleared by the courts. The governor also suggested that Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), would be welcomed back into the PDP and considered for the ticket if he decides to return.
“But certainly, President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are considering, if he joins us and expresses interest in running. And of course, other individuals like former Governor Obi — if he decides to return to a better platform where there are fewer encumbrances — will also be given a fair opportunity,” he stated.
When asked if PDP governors were actively engaging Obi about returning to the party, Mohammed responded, “Have you not seen him with me? He’s my brother, my friend. He’s also one of the most celebrated politicians. You’ll see him either within a coalition or otherwise. We’re not idle — we just don’t make noise about our moves.”
He added that other southern party members, such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, are equally free to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.
Mohammed emphasized that the PDP is keen on fielding a strong, popular candidate who can add value to the party’s 2027 campaign efforts.
“There are many capable politicians. I even held a meeting with Governor Amaechi. I haven’t been sleeping, I’m working to close ranks and build unity, bringing people together to help the party,” he said.
On whether former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi could return to the PDP, Mohammed replied, “Well, he’s free to return if he chooses to.”
Zoning and leadership decisions
The PDP, at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region. The party also resolved that the national chairmanship would remain in the North and affirmed Umar Damagum as its National Chairman.
The issue of zoning the PDP’s presidential ticket has long been contentious within Nigeria’s political landscape. While the presidency is currently held by a southerner — former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, who was declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — the PDP has faced internal divisions over its own ticketing strategy.
During the 2023 cycle, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the PDP’s candidate after the party opted to throw its ticket open, disregarding zoning arrangements. This move sparked a crisis within the party, particularly from then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who openly opposed the decision and eventually backed Tinubu in the election.
