PDP Divided Over Potential Return of Jonathan and Obi Ahead of 2027 Presidential Election

With just under two years until the 2027 presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with internal disagreements over efforts to bring former President Goodluck Jonathan and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi back into the fold.

The debate comes as the party prepares to inaugurate its National Working Committee (NWC) Zoning Committee and the 2027 Election Zoning Committee in Abuja today (Thursday).

According to multiple sources within the National Executive Committee (NEC), some members question the wisdom of inviting Jonathan and Obi back into the party. They argue that both men abandoned the PDP at critical times — Jonathan after the 2015 election loss, and Obi in the buildup to the 2019 polls — moves that, in their view, weakened the party’s electoral prospects. Others, however, see value in their return, stressing that the PDP is open to all Nigerians willing to abide by its rules.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed the zoning committees’ inauguration and noted that the party already has capable presidential hopefuls, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. He added that the PDP has not officially reached out to Jonathan or Obi, and that any approaches being made are on a personal, not institutional, basis.

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Zoning Committees and 2027 Strategy

The zoning committees, to be unveiled today, are a critical step in shaping the PDP’s 2027 electoral strategy. The party is emerging from a prolonged leadership crisis that saw high-profile defections, including former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and several serving governors who crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

As part of its restructuring, the PDP resolved during its 101st NEC meeting on July 24 to hold a National Elective Convention in Ibadan on November 15–16, where 19 new members will be elected to the NWC.

In recent weeks, Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, has met separately with Jonathan in Bayelsa and Obi in Bauchi to discuss their possible return. Senior party figures like former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Minister of Information Jerry Gana have also publicly urged the two to rejoin the party.

Legal Questions Over Jonathan’s Eligibility

Jonathan’s potential return has sparked debate over his constitutional eligibility to contest in 2027. The 2018 constitutional amendment bars anyone who has been sworn in twice as President or Governor from serving more than one additional elected term. Sections 137(3) and 182(3) of the Constitution specify that a person who assumes office to complete another’s term may only be elected once more to that position.

While Obi has stated his commitment to the Labour Party, which is in alliance with the ADC, Jonathan has not publicly confirmed or denied the possibility of rejoining the PDP to seek the presidency.

Mixed Feelings in the PDP Leadership

A member of the NWC told The PUNCH that while the PDP welcomes all Nigerians ready to follow party rules, Jonathan and Obi would be received “with mixed feelings” due to their past departures.

“Jonathan abandoned the party after the 2015 election when he should have been leading its repositioning. Obi left during the 2019 elections, and his defection affected our performance,” the source said. “We will welcome them if they submit to a level playing field without dictating terms.”

Another NWC member argued that those pushing for Jonathan’s candidacy are driven by self-interest and stressed that Obi must be willing to work within PDP processes if he returns.

“Jonathan should ask himself whether those urging him to run believe in his capacity or are pursuing selfish motives. In the PDP, due process is paramount, and there will be no preferential treatment,” the member stated.

Calls for Reconciliation and Unity

PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor offered a more conciliatory view, acknowledging that Jonathan may have distanced himself from the PDP due to the hostile environment he faced after leaving office.

“While he shirked some responsibilities, others have done worse and been forgiven. For unity and fairness, every hand should be welcomed, including Obi’s,” Osadolor said. He also noted that some PDP leaders believe Jonathan would be easier to market as a candidate, though he stressed that other strong options exist within the party, citing Governor Makinde’s performance in Oyo State.

APC’s Confidence in 2027

Meanwhile, the ruling APC has dismissed the PDP’s internal maneuvering as inconsequential. APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim said President Bola Tinubu would defeat any candidate the PDP fields in 2027.

For now, the PDP faces a delicate balancing act — weighing the benefits of bringing back high-profile defectors against the risk of alienating loyal members who stayed through the party’s difficult years. As the zoning committees begin their work, the party’s ability to manage these tensions could shape its chances in the next presidential election.