Beyond Jonathan, Obi, Makinde: PDP reveals hidden aspirants for 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed that several politicians are quietly positioning themselves for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, aside from the prominent names already being mentioned in public discourse.

So far, discussions around possible contenders have largely focused on former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

However, the PDP insists that these figures are only part of a wider pool of aspirants whose names have not yet been brought into the spotlight.

Speaking on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, told journalists that negotiations and consultations were ongoing within the PDP to determine who will eventually fly its presidential flag in 2027.

“Those names you mentioned remain speculative at this stage. What is important now in the PDP are negotiations and discussions. The party is engaging in deep consultations to identify the most credible candidate who can unify the country and command nationwide support,” Osuoha explained.

He stressed that while the public debate has focused on Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde, there are other influential politicians across the southern region who have begun reaching out to party stakeholders through private meetings.

According to him, these aspirants are carefully building momentum, waiting for the right time to formally declare their intentions.

Osuoha further emphasized that the PDP’s immediate priority is not yet the presidential ticket but the successful conduct of its forthcoming national convention.

At the convention, new national officers will be elected to lead the party for the next four years and set the tone for the 2027 elections.

“It is after the convention that the party will formally narrow the field to those who want to contest.

The PDP is determined to conduct a free, fair, and transparent primary election. We want to show Nigerians that when we talk about democracy, we practice it,” he added.

This latest position comes after Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro recently listed Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde among the possible presidential hopefuls under consideration.

The Benue South senator, however, also acknowledged that other credible contenders from the South could join the race as consultations deepen within the party.

With less than two years before party primaries begin, political analysts say the PDP’s strategy will likely focus on finding a unifying candidate capable of bridging internal divisions and challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

The coming months are expected to witness intense political maneuvering, as both prominent and less visible figures continue to test the waters and seek backing from influential blocs within the PDP.