With the 2027 presidential election drawing nearer, internal divisions have emerged within the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over behind-the-scenes efforts to bring back former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
This development coincides with the party’s plans to officially inaugurate two key committees in Abuja today (Thursday): the National Working Committee Zoning Committee and the 2027 Election Zoning Committee.
Several senior PDP officials, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC) who spoke anonymously, have expressed skepticism over the possible return of Jonathan and Obi. Their concerns stem from the fact that Jonathan distanced himself from the party following his 2015 defeat, and Obi’s exit ahead of the 2023 elections was seen as a blow to the PDP’s electoral chances.
However, some within the NEC view their return as potentially beneficial, albeit unnecessary given the party’s strong bench of potential presidential candidates such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
In an official statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed the inauguration of the Zoning Committee and noted that the party already has a wide pool of qualified presidential hopefuls.
Responding to these developments, Bala Ibrahim, Director of Publicity for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed the issue, asserting that APC’s candidate, President Bola Tinubu, would win reelection regardless of who the PDP selects.
PDP’s Internal Crisis and Realignment
The PDP has only recently emerged from a prolonged internal crisis that saw numerous defections, including those of its 2019 and 2023 presidential flagbearer Atiku Abubakar, his running mate and former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta’s current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno. Many defected either to the APC or the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
As part of its restructuring efforts, the party resolved at its 101st NEC meeting on July 24 to hold a National Elective Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16. The convention aims to fill 19 NWC positions.
Recently, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has held private meetings with Jonathan in Bayelsa and Obi in Bauchi. Sources suggest the discussions centered on the potential re-entry of both figures into the PDP fold in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Prominent PDP leaders, including former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and ex-Information Minister Jerry Gana, have publicly called on Jonathan and Obi to return.
Legal Questions Around Jonathan’s Eligibility
Despite the growing speculation around Jonathan’s possible candidacy, a legal grey area remains due to a 2018 constitutional amendment. According to Sections 137(3) and 182(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, a person who has completed another’s term as President or Governor is only eligible to run for one additional term. This could potentially disqualify Jonathan if he attempts another run.
Meanwhile, Obi has stated he remains committed to the Labour Party and its alliance with the ADC, while Jonathan has remained non-committal, neither confirming nor denying his interest in a 2027 bid or return to PDP activities.
An NWC member revealed that although private discussions may be ongoing, the PDP leadership has not officially initiated talks with Jonathan or Obi. He acknowledged that any return would likely be met with a mix of welcome and caution, citing past decisions by both individuals that negatively impacted the party.
“Jonathan chose to step back at a time when he should have led the effort to rebuild the party post-2015. Obi’s defection ahead of the 2019 polls also hurt our chances,” the official said. He emphasized that the party remains open but expects all returning members to adhere to its rules and processes without seeking preferential treatment.
Mixed Reactions Within the Party
Another high-ranking NWC member criticized efforts to promote Jonathan’s potential candidacy, calling it self-serving. He argued that if Obi returns, he must commit fully to the PDP’s internal democratic processes.
“I’m not aware of any official outreach to either of them. Some people pushing for Jonathan are likely driven by personal interests rather than conviction in his leadership. Obi, too, must show readiness to abide by party rules,” he stated.
Timothy Osadolor, the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader and NEC member, offered a more reconciliatory tone. He acknowledged Jonathan’s prolonged absence but attributed it partly to internal betrayal and political tension after the 2015 loss. He believes that while Jonathan shirked certain responsibilities, the party should move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and unity.
Osadolor noted that although Jonathan remains respected, PDP governors such as Seyi Makinde have proven themselves capable leaders. He suggested that some PDP figures may support Jonathan because they believe he is more marketable, but reiterated that he is not the only viable option.
Jonathan Still a PDP Member?
Former PDP National Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri emphasized that Jonathan has never publicly declared his exit from the PDP, despite his low visibility in party affairs. According to Tsauri, Jonathan retains credibility and statesmanship that could be advantageous in a political comeback.
He expressed doubt about Obi’s willingness to return but noted that the party would be stronger with both men in its ranks. Tsauri reaffirmed the PDP’s nationwide structure and reach, asserting that no serious election could occur in Nigeria without PDP involvement at every level.
“Jonathan could still be a strong contender if the ticket goes to the South,” he said. “But officially, the party has not approached either him or Obi.”
PDP Leadership Emphasizes Structure and Loyalty
At a Wednesday press conference, Debo Ologunagba reaffirmed that the PDP has a solid lineup of capable candidates and is currently focused on the upcoming convention in Ibadan. When asked directly about Jonathan and Obi, he declined to speculate, encouraging reporters to ask the individuals themselves.
He described the PDP as Nigeria’s most structured and people-focused party and said this has made it attractive to new and returning members. However, he emphasized that the party demands full loyalty from all members.
“Joining the PDP is voluntary, but disloyalty will not be tolerated,” he warned. “We welcome everyone, but they must respect the party’s constitution and internal processes. Anyone who refuses will face consequences under the rules.”
APC Reacts
In response, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the internal debates within the PDP, describing the opposition party as being on political life support.