PDP Speaks on Possibility of Jonathan, Peter Obi Getting Party's Ticket for 2027 Election
- Stalwarts of the PDP have weighed the merits of fielding either former President Goodluck Jonathan or former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi
- A lobby made up of some party chieftains was allegedly mandated to convince Jonathan to return, offering him an automatic PDP ticket in the 2027 poll
- The alleged move is said to stem from concerns among entrenched party interests over Obi’s hesitation to fully commit to rejoining the PDP
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria.
FCT, Abuja - Ahead of the 2027 election, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national executive committee (NEC) are divided over moves by certain individuals to facilitate the return of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election; and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Punch reported on Thursday, August 14, 2025, that sources with the PDP leadership confirmed that the party has not officially reached out to Jonathan and Obi.
Source: Twitter
The sources added that those reaching out are doing so individually and not on behalf of the PDP.
PDP gives condition for Obi's return
Responding to questions about the possible return of Obi and Jonathan to the PDP, Ologunagba said at a press conference on Wednesday, August 13, that the party already has sufficient presidential prospects and is concentrating on the November elective convention in Ibadan.
He said, as quoted by Nigerian Tribune:
“In our party today, we have great prospects for presidential candidates. I mentioned governors and what they have achieved. But I tell you this: today, this party has many highly qualified, exceptionally capable, and performing governors who can become president of this country.
“So, the question you are asking me, ‘is Jonathan contesting?’ Ask him. I do not speak for President Jonathan. You go and ask him. You have access to Obi and Jonathan, I know, so ask them. It is not for me to speculate."
The PDP’s statement comes amid a backdrop of political manoeuvring and alliance talks ahead of the 2027 election.
The party has begun the process of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with its recent NEC meeting, which is a preparatory step towards its national elective convention scheduled for November 15 in Oyo state.
Legit.ng reports that the PDP noted its primary focus at the moment is to unseat the APC in 2027 as it puts behind itself the contending issues disrupting the party’s cohesion.
Read more on the 2027 election:
- 2027 election: "Desperate for power," Presidency tackles ADC coalition in fresh message
- 2027 election: Did Afenifere endorse ADC coalition? Yoruba group breaks silence
Can Jonathan run for president again?
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Barrister Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication declared that "there is not a single politician that has the capacity to knock off" his principal in the 2027 election.
Bwala spoke on if a Jonathan comeback bid could rattle President Tinubu.
The legal practitioner explained that Tinubu has 'captured' the south south geopolitical zone where Jonathan comes from.
Source: Legit.ng
