2027: PDP may field Goodluck Jonathan as presidential candidate if..

FEMI FABUNMI 

The Peoples Democratic party (PDP) is reportedly making serious moves to bring former President Goodluck Jonathan back into the party as a potential presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Sources within the party told Newsmen that top party leaders are lobbying Jonathan to accept the offer of an automatic ticket.

This move is due to growing uncertainty about Mr. Peter Obi’s possible return to the PDP from the Labour Party (LP).

Former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, speaking on Arise TV, said Obi is a strong candidate, but PDP has better options. He added that Obi would have a greater chance of winning the 2027 election if he returned to PDP because of the party’s strong support base in northern Nigeria.

However, some party members are pushing for Jonathan instead. They believe he is a safer option since he can only serve one term, having already completed one in the past. This, they say, would avoid any political confusion about a second term.

A member of PDP’s Board of Trustees said:

“Efforts are seriously underway to bring Jonathan into the race. Many in the North believe he should finish his second term. While Obi hasn’t been ruled out, relying on him is risky given the state of the Labour Party.”

Reports say that discussions about Jonathan’s possible candidacy took place during a recent summit in The Gambia, where PDP leaders also discussed party funding and campaign strategy.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, a key PDP figure, has previously said he would not contest in 2027 if Jonathan decides to run.

“If Jonathan agrees to run, I will support him fully. He is my boss, and I believe in his leadership,” Mohammed said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, a leader of the Obidient Movement in the South East, said it would be unwise for Obi to return to the PDP now. He believes the party is currently unstable and must first fix its internal issues.

The PDP is expected to hold its national convention in November in Ibadan, Oyo State, where more clarity is expected on the party’s direction for 2027.