PDP Considering Jonathan, Obi for 2027- Bala Mohammed

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is weighing its options for the 2027 presidential election, with former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi among the southern politicians being considered.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State revealed this on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today. He described Jonathan as the “most celebrated politician today,” recalling that the former leader faced political blackmail before the 2015 polls but was later cleared by the courts.

“But certainly, (former) President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking of, if he joins us and opens his mind to run. And even other people like (former) governor Obi, because if he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances, he will be given the opportunity too,” Mohammed said.

He stressed that Obi, who ran on the platform of the Labour Party in 2023, would be welcomed back if he chose to return. Asked whether PDP governors were actively reaching out to Obi, Mohammed replied, “Have you not seen him with me? He’s my brother, my friend. And of course, he’s one of the most celebrated politicians, too. And of course, you see him within the coalition or no coalition, definitely we are not sleeping, only that we don’t make a noise.”

The Bauchi governor added that other southern politicians, such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, were equally free to seek the ticket. He also confirmed that he had engaged former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in discussions. “There are so many politicians. I even had a session with Governor Amaechi. I have not been sleeping. I have to make sure I create a closing-of-rank drive, you know, you know, for people to come and help,” he said. On whether Amaechi might return to the PDP, Mohammed remarked, “Well, he’s free to if he wants to come back.”

Earlier in the week, the PDP National Executive Council (NEC) zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining the chairmanship for the North. The meeting also affirmed Umar Damagum as National Chairman.

Zoning has remained a contentious issue within the party. In 2023, the decision to throw the ticket open produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as candidate, sparking a crisis that saw then-Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike openly back Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC.

Tinubu, who emerged victorious in 2023, has since been unanimously adopted by the APC as its candidate for the 2027 election.