2027: PDP eyes Jonathan, Obi, others as possible presidential candidates
2027: PDP eyes Jonathan, Obi, others as possible presidential candidates
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, are among the southern politicians being considered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 presidential election.
This was revealed by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
Speaking on the party’s plans ahead of 2027, Mohammed described Jonathan as “the most celebrated politician today,” noting that despite the political blackmail he suffered before the 2015 elections, the former president was later vindicated in court.
The governor also mentioned Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer, stressing that the door was open if he decided to return to the PDP.
“But certainly, (former) 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 (former) 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.
When asked if PDP governors were in talks with Obi, Mohammed replied: “Have you not seen him with me? He’s my brother, my friend. And of course, he’s one of the most celebrated politicians, too. Within a coalition or no coalition, definitely we are not sleeping, only that we don’t make noise.”
Beyond Jonathan and Obi, the governor pointed out that other southern politicians within the party, such as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, were also free to vie for the ticket.
He further disclosed that the PDP was already engaging with influential figures across political divides who could boost the party’s chances in 2027.
“There are so many politicians. I even had a session with Governor Amaechi. I have not been sleeping. I have to make sure I create a closing-of-rank drive for people to come and help,” he added.
When pressed on whether there was a possibility of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, returning to the PDP, Mohammed simply said: “Well, he’s free to if he wants to come back.”
