2027: PDP reveals secret consultations as hidden presidential hopefuls emerge

While public speculation continues to swirl around high-profile figures like former President Goodluck Jonathan, Peter Obi, and Governor Seyi Makinde, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed that a number of other politicians are quietly positioning themselves for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Abuja, the PDP’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, said intense behind-the-scenes consultations and negotiations are already underway.

“Those names you mentioned remain speculative at this stage,” Osuoha said, referring to Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde.

“The PDP is deeply engaged in consultations to identify the most credible candidate — one who can unite Nigeria and win widespread support.”

Osuoha revealed that several southern politicians, not currently in the public spotlight, are actively reaching out to party stakeholders through private meetings. Many of them, he said, are building quiet momentum and waiting for the right time to officially declare their ambitions.

Despite the growing interest, Osuoha stressed that the PDP’s immediate priority is the upcoming national convention, where new national officers will be elected to lead the party for the next four years.

“It is after the convention that the party will formally narrow the field to those who want to contest,” he noted.
“We are committed to conducting a free, fair, and transparent primary. The PDP wants to show Nigerians that we walk the talk when it comes to democracy.”

His comments follow recent remarks by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who listed Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde as likely contenders — while also acknowledging that other credible aspirants from the South could still emerge.

With less than two years to go before party primaries, analysts say the PDP’s challenge lies in finding a unifying candidate capable of bridging internal divisions and mounting a strong challenge to the ruling APC in 2027.