As consultations and strategic lobbying intensify within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the race for the 2027 presidential ticket is heating up. This follows the recent decision by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to zone the presidential ticket to the South.
According to a 9am News report, at least six prominent names are being considered as potential flagbearers, with indications that more aspirants will emerge in the coming months.
Among those speculated to be in contention is former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose candidacy is being pushed by a northern governor with close ties to him. The governor reportedly desires to run as Jonathan’s vice president, hoping to take over in 2031. However, Section 137(3) of the Nigerian Constitution may be a major legal obstacle, as it disqualifies anyone sworn in twice as president from running again.
Adding complexity, former First Lady Patience Jonathan recently declared that her husband would not run, throwing her support behind President Bola Tinubu for 2027, saying, “I believe in turn by turn… When it is not your turn, step back.”
Bukola Saraki, former Senate President, is another name gaining traction. His supporters believe he deserves compensation for loyalty to the party, especially for standing firm during the Buhari administration. However, critics argue that Saraki lacks a solid political base, pointing to the APC’s dominance in Kwara and Kogi.
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT and former Rivers State Governor, has ruled out any presidential ambition, maintaining support for Tinubu’s re-election. Despite his long-standing contributions to the PDP, Wike is unlikely to contest, particularly if Jonathan enters the race.
Peter Obi: A Possible Return to PDP?
Former PDP vice-presidential candidate Peter Obi, now in the Labour Party (LP), remains a popular figure, especially after his strong showing in the 2023 presidential race. Some PDP leaders are reportedly wooing him back to revive the party’s fortunes.
Prof. Jerry Gana recently noted that Obi could beat any northern contender if he returns to the PDP. However, there are concerns about his history of defections and his commitment to serving only one term.
Opposition to Obi’s return also stems from the lack of rapport between him and PDP governors, who may prefer a more grounded party loyalist like Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Makinde and Adesina: Technocrats and Strategists
Governor Seyi Makinde is seen as a potential game-changer if the PDP chooses a South-West candidate. He could split Tinubu’s base and offer a competitive edge. However, Makinde has yet to declare any ambition. His Chief Press Secretary insists his focus remains on Oyo’s development, not national politics.
That said, in an April interview, Makinde hinted at having the capacity to lead the country but stressed the need for readiness and proper party structure before any such decision.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank and a former Minister under Jonathan, is also being speculated as a technocratic option. His recent comments about being open to serving Nigeria are fueling the rumors.
While zoning has been announced, some factions within the party are pushing back. The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement argues that no official party organ ratified the decision, warning that excluding northern candidates may breach the Nigerian Constitution’s Section 42(1), which prohibits discrimination based on place of origin.
The group’s leader, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, emphasized that zoning should not override constitutional rights or be used as a tool for exclusion, reminding stakeholders that inclusivity won the PDP the presidency in 1999.
As PDP prepares for its national convention in Ibadan, internal consensus remains elusive. However, one thing is clear: the battle for the party’s presidential ticket is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest that will define its future relevance in Nigerian politics.
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