2027 Presidency: PDP Leaders Disagree over Jonathan, Peter Obi, Makinde
- The former president Goodluck Jonathan's possible return to the political space continued to divide Nigeria's main opposition party
- PDP top members, including Nyesom Wike, were divided over the decision to possibly give the party's 2027 presidential ticket to Jonathan, LP's Peter Obi or Oyo governor Seyi Makinde
- While Jonathan and Peter Obi were yet to speak, Atiku Abubakar's resignation from the PDP pushed the party further to scout for a top politician who will challenge Bola Tinubu in 2027
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in fresh internal divisions as its leaders remain divided over whether to field former president Goodluck Jonathan, former Anambra state governor Peter Obi, or Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
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According to Daily Trust, multiple party sources disclosed that some leaders, allegedly aligned with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are pushing for Obi, while another bloc is rooting for Jonathan, arguing that he is the only figure within the party capable of giving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a serious challenge in 2027. A third group has also thrown Makinde’s name into the mix.
Amid the rift, the party inaugurated a 110-member organising committee, ahead of its 2025 elective national convention chaired by Adamawa state governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Osun state governor Ademola Adeleke as deputy chairman.
Party insiders say the composition of the committee reflects efforts to balance interests amid intensifying debates over Jonathan, Obi and other aspirants.
Source: Facebook
One-term calculations
Recall that the PDP commenced moves to bring back Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, into its fold.
This came days after the former vice president Atiku Abubakar resigned from the PDP, citing irreconcilable differences within the party.
But a top PDP chieftain, who pleaded anonymity, said the push for Jonathan or Obi reflects the personal interests of different party factions.
“Many want Jonathan because he is easy to sell nationwide and has only one term left, which the North will find acceptable,” the source explained.
“But Wike’s men are against him. They are pushing Obi instead, to block Jonathan. They know if Jonathan joins, even Obi will realise the game is over.”
Signs of a deeper struggle
Another zonal party leader told Daily Trust that the divisions reflect a deeper battle over control of the party.
“You saw the statement about cracking down on anti-party activities? That’s part of this ongoing struggle,” the leader said. “The party cannot be wooing Jonathan and Obi while allowing one man to dictate everything.”
2027: "I see Jonathan in Aso Rock" - Cleric
Similarly, Legit.ng reported that the general overseer and founder of Mount Zion Divine Gospel Ministry Inc., Prophet Bomadi Serimoedumu, predicted a possible return of former president Goodluck Jonathan to Aso Rock in 2027.
Prophet Serimoedumu, made the prediction during a service on Sunday, August 10, at the Paradise City Zion, the church’s headquarters in Bomadi, Delta state.
Read more about 2027 here:
- Atiku, Peter Obi vs Tinubu: Prophet discloses who will determine Nigeria’s next president in 2027
- Jonathan's return: Top lawmaker mentions states Tinubu will win if ex-president contests in 2027
Jonathan vs Obi: North's best choice revealed
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that PDP chieftain, Umar Sani, said he preferred Jonathan as his party’s presidential candidate rather than Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
He stated that the North will prefer Jonathan to Obi, and the former president's return to power for another four years will complete the South’s eight years.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
