ABUJA — With just over two years to the 2027 presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing internal divisions over reported moves by some members to lure former President Goodluck Jonathan and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi back into its fold.
The debate comes as the party inaugurates its National Working Committee Zoning Committee and 2027 Election Zoning Committee in Abuja today (Thursday).
While some members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) welcome the idea, others argue that Jonathan — who distanced himself from the PDP after losing the 2015 election — and Obi — whose defection to the Labour Party dented the PDP’s 2023 chances — should not be given priority over loyal, capable members such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
Party insiders told The PUNCH that the PDP has not officially approached Jonathan or Obi. Instead, individuals are reaching out in their personal capacity. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed this, stressing that the party already has “a sufficient pool of credible presidential contenders.”
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the matter entirely, with its Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, declaring that regardless of the PDP candidate, President Bola Tinubu will win re-election in 2027.
The PDP, still recovering from months of internal crisis and high-profile defections — including former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and several governors — is set to hold its National Elective Convention on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan to elect 19 new members into its National Working Committee.
In recent weeks, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed met separately with Jonathan in Bayelsa and Obi in Bauchi, reportedly to discuss their possible return. Prominent PDP figures like former Governor Sule Lamido and former Information Minister Jerry Gana have also publicly urged them to rejoin.
However, Jonathan’s eligibility remains a point of contention due to a 2018 constitutional amendment barring anyone sworn in twice as president from serving more than one elected term. If he were to run, he could only serve a single term.
While some NEC members say Jonathan and Obi would strengthen the party, others warn they must abide by PDP rules and will not receive preferential treatment. “We will receive both Jonathan and Obi with mixed feelings,” one senior member said, citing their previous departures at critical moments.
Ologunagba emphasized that loyalty is non-negotiable: “What the party will not take is disloyalty. We demand 100 per cent loyalty from our members.”
For now, both Jonathan and Obi have remained silent on the matter — with Obi insisting he is still committed to his Labour Party/ADC alliance, and Jonathan neither confirming nor denying any presidential ambition.
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