PDP Seeks To Reunite With Jonathan And Obi For 2027 Election Push.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is actively working to bring former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi back into its fold ahead of the 2027 general elections, sparking both optimism and internal tensions within the party. The move, aimed at strengthening the PDP’s position against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed deep divisions as the party navigates its strategy for the upcoming polls.
Party insiders confirm that the PDP has initiated high-level discussions with Jonathan, with some factions promising him an automatic presidential ticket. The former president, who has reportedly met with northern leaders, including General Ibrahim Babangida in Minna, is said to be open to contesting to address Nigeria’s economic challenges. The PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, highlighted Jonathan’s appeal, noting that many Nigerians regret not re-electing him and are now urging his return to “rescue the country.”
Simultaneously, the PDP is intensifying efforts to woo Peter Obi, a former Anambra State governor who secured over six million votes in the 2023 election despite electoral challenges. Prominent PDP figures, including Professor Jerry Gana and Abduljabbar Rufai, have described Obi as a “great political asset” whose return could bolster the party’s chances, particularly in the Southeast and South-South regions. Gana, leading reconciliation efforts, confirmed that a PDP delegation has already engaged Obi and his inner circle, with ongoing talks to resolve past grievances, including the party’s failure to zone the 2023 ticket to the South.
The PDP’s recent decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, spearheaded by a committee led by former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, is seen as a strategic move to entice Obi and others who left the party in 2022 over zoning disputes. However, these efforts have caused friction, with some party members opposing the focus on Jonathan and Obi, fearing it could alienate other factions or derail internal reforms. The establishment of a National Working Committee Zoning Committee and a 2027 Election Zoning Committee signals the party’s determination to resolve these tensions and present a united front.
Despite the challenges, PDP leaders remain optimistic, with figures like Abdullahi and Rufai emphasising the party’s national presence and legacy as Nigeria’s most structured political force since 1999. Social media posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising the PDP’s outreach as a bold step towards unity, while others view the internal debates as a sign of disarray. As the 2027 elections approach, the PDP’s efforts to reconcile with Jonathan and Obi could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, offering a renewed opportunity to challenge the APC’s dominance.