2027 Elections: PDP Intensifies Moves to Woo Jonathan Amid Concerns Over Obi’s Return

Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is reportedly making serious efforts to bring former President Goodluck Jonathan back into the fold as its presidential candidate. A new report by The Guardian reveals that top party stakeholders are lobbying the former leader with the offer of an automatic ticket—an attempt aimed at strengthening the party’s chances amid growing uncertainties surrounding the political trajectory of Peter Obi.

Although Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and now a central figure in the opposition coalition, has made public assurances of a one-term presidency if elected, sources within the PDP have expressed concerns over his long-term commitment and the viability of a return. The party, therefore, appears to be exploring a more “stable and familiar” option in Jonathan, who constitutionally remains eligible for a single term, having only served one full tenure from 2011 to 2015.

Obidient Movement Raises Alarm Over Marginalisation In ADC Coalition, Urges Peter Obi To Intervene

Party Insiders Reveal High-Level Talks

According to The Guardian, discussions within the PDP have intensified in recent weeks, with some party elders given the mandate to reach out directly to Jonathan. One Board of Trustees (BoT) member told the publication, under the condition of anonymity, that the effort has strong backing from influential figures in the north, many of whom believe that Jonathan represents a safer and more manageable option compared to Obi.

“Let me tell you straight away, serious efforts are being made to pull Jonathan into the race,” the BoT member revealed. “From the look of things, our northern colleagues believe that it is necessary to get the former president to come in and complete his second term.”

This line of reasoning is rooted in the constitutional allowance for Jonathan to seek re-election for one more term, having served only one full tenure. It’s also partly strategic—ensuring power returns to the north after 2031, which some PDP members see as a political compromise that might ease internal tensions between northern and southern blocs.

Obi’s Shadow Over PDP Strategy

While Peter Obi has not formally returned to the PDP, his name continues to loom large over the party’s internal deliberations. As the face of the Obidient Movement and a key figure in the emerging opposition coalition anchored by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obi remains a potential unifier of the anti-Tinubu forces. However, the recent internal disputes within the ADC, as well as Obi’s ambiguous political position, are making PDP stakeholders uneasy.

“It is not that the Obi option has been ruled out,” the PDP source clarified. “But developments in the Labour Party and the coalition make it risky to put all our eggs in one basket. We do not want a situation that could leave the party scratching around to field a strong contender.”

This statement reflects the PDP’s long-term electoral strategy: preparing a backup plan in case Obi does not fully align with the party or the opposition coalition fractures ahead of the 2027 polls.

Jonathan’s Dilemma: Loyalty, Legacy, and Public Sentiment

The question, however, is whether Goodluck Jonathan is willing to accept the offer. Since leaving office in 2015, Jonathan has carved a post-presidency career as a statesman, peace mediator, and election observer across Africa. Despite calls for his return in the past—particularly in 2021 when APC members allegedly courted him—Jonathan has remained largely silent about future political ambitions.

His potential return to PDP candidacy in 2027 could come with high risks and rewards. On one hand, he retains a national profile, a calm demeanor admired across the political divide, and the experience to govern. On the other hand, critics might view his return as a backward move or a symptom of Nigeria’s inability to groom fresh leadership.

Moreover, public reaction to Jonathan’s candidacy may be mixed. While some view him with nostalgia, especially amid growing dissatisfaction with the current administration, others still associate his government with issues of corruption and inefficiency, which were part of the narrative that led to his 2015 electoral defeat.

Behind-the-Scenes Talks in The Gambia

Interestingly, the report indicates that discussions regarding Jonathan’s possible return were part of high-level engagements among PDP stakeholders held in The Gambia. These talks also reportedly touched on broader issues, including the party’s financial situation and fundraising strategies for the 2027 campaign.

Such international retreats have historically served as strategy hubs for Nigerian political parties, offering a discreet environment for sensitive negotiations and coalition building. The inclusion of Jonathan’s name in these conversations signals just how seriously the PDP is taking the idea of his return.

What Lies Ahead for PDP

The PDP’s strategy appears to be one of pragmatic calculation—keep the door open for Peter Obi, but simultaneously develop a fallback plan that involves a familiar and constitutionally viable candidate like Jonathan. This two-pronged approach could either strengthen the party or fuel further division, depending on how the leadership manages expectations and internal rivalries.

With several months still ahead before the party’s primaries and the final alignment of opposition forces, the coming months will be crucial in determining who carries the PDP’s banner into the 2027 presidential contest. Whether it will be the return of an elder statesman or the rise of a new contender remains to be seen.