ABUJA — Former Minister of Information and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana, has stated that Peter Obi stands a strong chance of defeating any northern presidential candidate in 2027—if he returns to the PDP.
Gana made this assertion during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Wednesday, amid mounting speculation about Obi’s possible political realignment following his recent engagements with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi, who ran as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, left the PDP in May 2022. His exit, according to Gana, was a miscalculation by the PDP leadership at the time.
“We made a mistake in 2023,” Gana admitted. “If I were Atiku, I would have said, ‘Peter, it is now your turn; I would give you a vice-president,’ but he didn’t.”
Highlighting Obi’s growing national appeal, particularly in the North, Gana expressed confidence in the former Anambra governor’s ability to lead a successful presidential bid under the PDP banner.
“The PDP is on the ground. I’m a researcher, and I research opinions. In the northern states, Peter Obi under the PDP will defeat any candidate because our people are very fair-minded and just,” he said.
Gana also disclosed that efforts were ongoing within the PDP to woo Obi back to the party. “We are reaching out to Peter Obi. I’m leading a search team, and while Peter may be good, we’re also considering others. We are searching,” he noted.
The former minister downplayed recent internal disputes within the PDP, describing them as isolated incidents among a few elite politicians based in Abuja.
“Many people have forgotten that the PDP was created as a grassroots organization,” he said. “In 1998, we were present at every polling unit. When the 1999 elections came, we won the presidency, the Senate, and the House. We were totally in control.”
Gana emphasized that the founding ideals of the PDP—rooted in grassroots mobilization and democratic governance—remain relevant, adding that the recent turmoil does not reflect the mood of the party’s broader membership.
“The crisis was really among a few elites here in Abuja. It didn’t even go beyond,” he stressed.
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, Gana’s remarks have further stirred political conversations around coalition-building, opposition strategy, and the future of Peter Obi’s political journey.
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