PDP Split Over Moves to Bring Back Jonathan, Obi Ahead of 2027

Less than two years to the 2027 presidential election, divisions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) over informal efforts to facilitate the return of former President Goodluck Jonathan and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

The development comes as the PDP inaugurates its National Working Committee (NWC) Zoning Committee and the 2027 Election Zoning Committee in Abuja today (Thursday).

Several NEC members, speaking anonymously, questioned why Jonathan, who distanced himself from the party after losing the 2015 election and Obi, whose 2019 defection to the Labour Party was seen as damaging to PDP’s electoral chances, should be welcomed back. Others argued that the party already has viable presidential contenders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

Sources within PDP leadership confirmed no official outreach has been made to Jonathan or Obi, stressing that any current approaches are being made on a personal basis. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba reiterated that the party has a “strong pool” of capable presidential hopefuls and is focused on its November elective convention in Ibadan.

In recent weeks, Governor Bala Mohammed, also chair of the PDP Governors’ Forum, has met separately with Jonathan in Bayelsa and Obi in Bauchi, reportedly to discuss possible returns. Some party elders, such as former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and ex-Information Minister Jerry Gana, have openly urged the pair to rejoin.

However, legal uncertainty clouds Jonathan’s eligibility. A 2018 constitutional amendment bars anyone sworn in twice as president or governor from seeking the office again. Jonathan, who completed the remainder of Umaru Yar’Adua’s term before winning his own, can serve only one more term.

Opinions within the NEC remain split. Some leaders say Jonathan and Obi must submit fully to party rules if they return, while others argue their past actions weakened PDP at critical times. A few maintain that wooing Jonathan is driven more by political expediency than competence.

Meanwhile, the APC dismissed the debate, with its Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, describing PDP as “a struggling party in intensive care” and insisting President Bola Tinubu would defeat any PDP challenger in 2027.

The PDP, still recovering from a prolonged internal crisis and high-profile defections, insists it remains Nigeria’s most structured political force, with Ologunagba stressing: “We welcome all who are willing to abide by our rules but loyalty must be absolute.”