The Peoples Democratic Party is considering former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State governor Peter Obi as possible presidential candidates for the 2027 general election, according to the party’s governors’ forum chairman.
Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, who leads the PDP Governors’ Forum, revealed the party’s strategic thinking following its decision to zone the presidential ticket to the south for the next election cycle.
His comments come after Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) disclosed on Wednesday that the party has been in discussions with both political heavyweights about potentially joining or rejoining the PDP.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Mohammed praised Jonathan despite past political controversies, describing him as “one of the most celebrated politicians today despite previous political blackmail against him.”
The Bauchi governor indicated that Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party banner, would also receive a warm welcome should he decide to return to his former party.
Read Also: Current PVC exercise meaningless without electoral, judicial reforms – Atiku
“Certainly, President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking of, if he joins us and opens his mind to run. And even other people like Governor Obi, because if he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances, he will be given the opportunity too,” Mohammed said.
The governor emphasised the close relationship PDP leaders maintain with Obi, calling him “my brother, my friend” and “one of the most celebrated politicians too.”
Mohammed suggested the party’s options extend beyond Jonathan and Obi, mentioning other prominent southern politicians who could emerge as contenders if they align themselves with the PDP.
These include Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde and former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, both of whom could potentially seek the party’s nomination.
Reflecting on the PDP’s unsuccessful 2023 presidential campaign, Mohammed argued that the party’s decision not to zone its ticket to the south was a critical error that contributed to its electoral defeat.
For 2027, he stressed that the party must carefully balance its ticket to reflect Nigeria’s religious and regional diversity, particularly in contrast to the ruling All Progressives Congress’s approach.
“We need a Christian from the south to emerge as presidential candidate, with a Muslim from the north as running mate. The APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket did not take into cognisance our diversity,” Mohammed explained.
