There are growing signs that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering former President Goodluck Jonathan as a backup presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, amid uncertainty over Peter Obi’s return to the party.
Sources within the party disclosed to The Guardian that a strong lobby has been tasked with convincing Jonathan to return to the PDP with the promise of an automatic ticket. This development stems from fears over Obi’s allegiance, as the former Labour Party candidate reportedly insists on party control and internal reforms as a condition for his comeback.
According to PDP insiders, while Obi remains the preferred candidate for his popularity and cross-party appeal, the party wants to avoid “putting all its eggs in one basket.”
Former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana, recently argued that while Obi is a credible candidate, PDP has “a better one.” He added that Obi would win the presidency easily with PDP’s northern structure if he returns.
But some party chieftains are more aligned with Jonathan, noting that his constitutional limit of one term offers strategic political advantages for those eying 2031.
“We don’t want to be second-guessing about a second term. With Jonathan, that’s not an issue,” a PDP Board of Trustees member told The Guardian.
Discussions reportedly took place recently in The Gambia, involving key figures such as:
- Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan
- Governor Bala Mohammed
- Senator Abdul Ningi
Though officially said to be a diplomatic mission, the trip is also believed to have involved talks on 2027 party financing and candidacy strategy.
Notably, Governor Mohammed, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman had previously declared he would only step aside if Jonathan chooses to run.
“If we can persuade him, I will support him with my blood,” the Bauchi governor said in a past address.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, a prominent Obidient Movement leader, expressed skepticism over Obi’s possible PDP return.
“No sane person would advise Obi to swim in a river filled with sharks and crocodiles,” Ezeh stated, referencing the internal conflicts plaguing the PDP.
He suggested Obi may only consider talks after PDP’s convention in November in Ibadan, where the party’s national leadership is expected to be restructured.
