Amid Peter Obi Uncertainty, PDP Eyeing Jonathan as 2027 Backup to Secure Northern Support and Ensure Power Transition

 

Efforts within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are intensifying to convince former President Goodluck Jonathan to emerge as its flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election. A network of influential party leaders is reportedly behind a coordinated push, hoping to secure Jonathan’s return to active politics with the promise of an automatic ticket.

According to reliable party sources, the campaign to lure Jonathan is gaining momentum amid concerns about uncertainties surrounding Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and his rumored intention to return to the PDP. Party insiders have hinted that while Obi remains a potent political force, there is hesitation among PDP stalwarts about banking solely on his political reentry.

Professor Jerry Gana, a former Minister for Information and National Orientation, recently shared his thoughts on national television. He acknowledged Obi’s popularity and described him as a credible candidate. Still, Gana emphasized that the PDP possesses candidates he believes are even better suited for the presidency. He added that Obi would have an easier path to victory with the PDP’s expansive national structure, especially in the northern regions where support for the party remains significant.

The core of the argument in favor of Jonathan revolves around his eligibility for only one term. By constitutional limits, Jonathan, having already served one term and completed part of another, can serve only a single term if re-elected. Party figures view this as a strategic advantage, offering a built-in succession plan for the 2031 race. This approach would also appease younger presidential hopefuls eyeing the 2031 contest by ensuring their time will come sooner than later.

A respected PDP Board of Trustees member, speaking anonymously, told The Guardian that the majority of party leaders are more comfortable with Jonathan because of his perceived predictability and maturity. “Our northern colleagues are particularly keen on having him finish what he started. There’s consensus that he is the most stabilizing option we have at this point,” the source said.

There are also strategic calculations at play regarding the volatile nature of the Labour Party’s internal politics. One party leader explained that placing all political bets on Obi, who is still affiliated with LP and whose next steps remain unclear, would be a dangerous gamble. “It is not about shutting out Obi. But the risk is too high. Jonathan offers a safer, more coordinated path to power,” the official added.

Reports have emerged suggesting that key elements of this political chessboard were discussed recently during a high-profile meeting in The Gambia. The summit, which brought together PDP leaders including former President Jonathan, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Senator Abdul Ningi, was officially billed as a diplomatic engagement to promote democracy and governance across Africa. However, political undertones ran deep, with insiders confirming that issues relating to the PDP’s future and campaign financing were on the agenda.

Governor Mohammed’s longstanding loyalty to Jonathan also came into focus again during this period. His public commitment to not contest for the presidency in 2027 if Jonathan agrees to run reinforces speculation that a larger coalition of PDP governors may back the former president. Last year, the governor declared that he would rather support Jonathan than pursue his own presidential ambitions, calling him “my boss” and pledging total allegiance should he enter the race.

On the flip side, supporters of Obi remain skeptical of the PDP’s internal dynamics. Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, a key figure in the Obidient Movement in the South East, warned against Obi’s return to what he described as an unstable political structure. According to Ezeh, the PDP must first resolve its internal disputes, particularly through the upcoming national convention slated for November in Ibadan. Until then, he believes it would be unwise for Obi or anyone else to plunge into what he calls “a river filled with sharks and crocodiles.”

The unfolding political realignment reflects a broader race to redefine the PDP’s leadership identity and electoral strategy. As the party prepares for its convention, the outcome of its internal calculations could shape not just the 2027 contest, but Nigeria’s entire political trajectory over the next decade.

Whether Jonathan will accept the call to duty remains uncertain. His public silence on the matter has only fueled more intrigue. Yet, within PDP circles, the consensus seems to be growing louder: if victory is the goal, then Jonathan may be the party’s best bet.