With about two years remaining until the 2027 presidential election, there are divisions among members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee regarding efforts by some individuals to bring back former President Goodluck Jonathan and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the party.
This development coincides with the party's plans to inaugurate the National Working Committee Zoning Committee and the 2027 Election Zoning Committee in Abuja today (Thursday).
Some senior members of the National Working Committee, who also belong to the NEC and spoke anonymously, expressed concerns about Jonathan's return after leaving the party during a critical juncture, and Obi's exit to the Labour Party, which they believe negatively impacted the PDP's prospects in 2023.
Conversely, others within the NEC supported the idea but highlighted that the PDP possesses capable members, like Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who could represent the party in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
Sources close to the PDP leadership indicated that no official outreach has occurred towards Jonathan and Obi, stating that any discussions are being pursued by individuals rather than the party itself.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that the Zoning Committee would be inaugurated today and asserted that the party already has a strong pool of credible presidential candidates.
In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, asserted that regardless of who the PDP selects as its 2027 presidential candidate, the ruling party’s candidate, President Bola Tinubu, would achieve victory.
The PDP has recently come out of a prolonged internal crisis lasting several months, during which several prominent members, including its past presidential candidates, defected to the APC and the new African Democratic Congress.
As part of strategies to reorganize, the PDP resolved during its 101st NEC meeting on July 24 to conduct a National Elective Convention on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, to elect 19 new members to its National Working Committee.
In recent weeks, Governor Bala Mohammed has separately met with both former President Jonathan in Bayelsa and Peter Obi in Bauchi to discuss the possibility of their return to the PDP in advance of the 2027 elections.
Furthermore, other party figures, including former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Minister of Information Jerry Gana, have publicly encouraged Jonathan and Obi to rejoin the PDP.
Public opinion remains split on Jonathan’s eligibility following a constitutional amendment in 2018 that prevents anyone sworn in twice from running for the presidency or governorship again. Sections 137(3) and 182(3) of the Constitution outline that such a person can only serve one additional term if they complete another’s term.
While Obi has claimed to remain with the Labour Party in alliance with the ADC coalition, Jonathan has neither confirmed nor denied speculation regarding his potential return to the PDP for the 2027 presidential election.
A member of the PDP National Working Committee mentioned that if Jonathan chooses to return, he would be met with mixed feelings due to his past departure at a critical time.
The source remarked, “The PDP has not reached out to them officially, but some individuals are in discussions.”
They also emphasized that the party values its structure and openness to all Nigerians, including Jonathan and Obi, but highlighted that the past actions of both individuals during a critical period affected the party’s fortunes.
“Jonathan left the party after the 2015 election when he should have been guiding it, and Obi’s departure during the 2019 elections hurt us significantly."
Another NWC member stated that those pushing for Jonathan’s candidacy might have selfish motivations, while also reaffirming that Obi must show readiness to comply with party rules.
“Individuals asking Jonathan to run should clarify if it’s out of belief in his abilities or personal interests. Obi needs to be ready to adhere to PDP’s processes,” he added.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, noted that Jonathan’s exit was influenced by the environment within the party that led him to remain distant.
He added that “regardless of past actions, the PDP should welcome all in the spirit of unity, as it is essential for the party to reclaim its prominence."
While some members see potential in Jonathan for the upcoming elections, others assert that the PDP has capable leaders already in place, like Governor Seyi Makinde.
Osadolor mentioned that Jonathan isn't the sole option, given the party's pool of talent. Furthermore, Ibrahim Tsauri, a former National Secretary of the PDP, suggested that Jonathan has never officially left the party and stressed its continued strength, but noted the likelihood of Obi not returning.
In response to inquiries about Jonathan and Obi potentially rejoining the PDP, Ologunagba emphasized that the party already has numerous qualified candidates and is focusing on the upcoming convention.
He highlighted the necessity of loyalty within the party and warned against disloyalty, stating, “Membership is voluntary with easy entry, but we demand complete loyalty and fairness."
In reaction, the APC’s Ibrahim dismissed the PDP as a struggling party, stating that it is in dire need of reinvigoration, predicting that any candidate it fields will be unable to compete against APC candidates.