2027 Presidency: PDP Inaugurates Zoning Committee, Clarifies Position on Jonathan, Obi

With the 2027 presidential election just under two years away, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing internal discussions over the possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

As the party prepares to inaugurate its National Working Committee (NWC) Zoning Committee and the 2027 Election Zoning Committee in Abuja today (Thursday), members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) appear divided over renewed engagement with the two prominent politicians.

Some NEC members, speaking anonymously, expressed reservations about Jonathan and Obi potentially returning to the party, citing their earlier departures and perceived impact on the PDP’s performance in previous elections. Others are open to their return but emphasize that the PDP already has capable presidential hopefuls, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

Sources within the PDP leadership clarified that no official outreach has been made to Jonathan or Obi by the party itself. Any ongoing discussions are being initiated independently by individuals.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that the zoning committee would be formally inaugurated today, reiterating that the party already has a strong pool of qualified presidential candidates.

In a reaction, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, stated that regardless of PDP’s eventual candidate, President Bola Tinubu is well-positioned for re-election.

The PDP recently emerged from a prolonged internal crisis, during which several key figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa—defected to other parties.

At the 101st NEC meeting held on July 24, the PDP resolved to hold its National Elective Convention on November 15–16 in Ibadan, where 19 new NWC members are expected to be elected.

In recent weeks, Governor Bala Mohammed has met separately with Jonathan in Bayelsa and Obi in Bauchi to discuss possible collaborations ahead of 2027. Prominent party figures, including Sule Lamido and Jerry Gana, have also publicly encouraged both men to consider returning to the PDP.

Jonathan’s eligibility remains a topic of debate following a 2018 constitutional amendment. The law stipulates that anyone who has completed another person’s term as president or governor can only be elected to that office once more. While Obi has maintained his alliance with the Labour Party and African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jonathan has not confirmed any political intentions.

A PDP NWC member, speaking anonymously, noted that while the party remains open to welcoming both Jonathan and Obi, their previous exits are still a concern for some members.

“PDP is open to all Nigerians, including Jonathan and Obi. But we must acknowledge that their earlier decisions to leave the party at critical times had consequences. If they return, it should be with a willingness to follow party rules and participate equally with others,” the member said.

Another NWC member added that efforts to draft Jonathan into the 2027 race are driven more by political convenience than by party consensus.

“Jonathan should ask himself if he’s being encouraged to run for the right reasons. As for Obi, if he chooses to return, he must be ready to follow due process. PDP will not offer special treatment,” the member noted.

Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, suggested that Jonathan’s distance from party activities was influenced by the circumstances surrounding his 2015 exit. He emphasized that reconciliation and unity should guide the party’s actions moving forward.

“Jonathan deserves respect for his contributions. While he may have stayed away for some time, the party has forgiven others in the past. We should focus on building unity and welcoming those who bring value,” Osadolor said.

He also observed that support for Jonathan’s return from some quarters may be based on perceptions of his electability, but he stressed the availability of other strong candidates within the party, including Governor Makinde.

Former PDP National Secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri, stated that Jonathan has never officially left the party, though he has not been active. He expressed skepticism about Obi’s return, but emphasized that both figures could strengthen the PDP ahead of 2027 if they choose to re-engage.

“Jonathan remains a respected figure. As for Obi, while he left, if he decides to come back, the door is open. The PDP is a party with nationwide structure and history—it remains a viable platform for anyone serious about contesting,” Tsauri said.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Ologunagba reiterated that the PDP is not currently in official talks with either Jonathan or Obi. He emphasized the party’s focus on its upcoming convention and zoning processes.

“In our party today, we have several competent and performing governors who are potential presidential candidates. I cannot speak for Jonathan or Obi. If they are interested, that’s a question for them,” he said.

Ologunagba also called for loyalty and commitment from party members, noting that discipline and unity would be essential as the PDP prepares for the 2027 elections.

“Membership is voluntary, but we require 100% loyalty from all members. Disloyalty will be addressed in line with our constitution. The PDP is open, stable, and prepared to welcome those who are ready to work within its structure,” he said.

In response, the APC’s Bala Ibrahim described the PDP as a party still struggling to regain its footing, suggesting that its internal divisions may affect its chances in 2027.