PDP Eyes Southern candidates for 2027 Presidential Race, Negotiations Underway
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is actively engaged in internal discussions to determine its presidential flagbearer for the 2027 election, with a focus on candidates from the Southern region of Nigeria. While several names are being floated, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde, the party insists no decision has been made.
Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, the PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, clarified on Sunday that the names circulating are currently “speculations.” He emphasized the party’s priority is ongoing negotiations and consultations to identify the “most credible candidate.” Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro had previously mentioned Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde as potential contenders, adding that other qualified individuals from the South could emerge as discussions broaden.
Osuoha revealed that numerous potential aspirants are engaged in private talks with key stakeholders to bolster their chances, even as public attention focuses on the aforementioned figures. The party’s immediate focus is on holding a national convention to elect new officers who will lead the PDP for the next four years. Following the convention, the party will begin the process of narrowing the field of aspirants before the primaries.
“It is indeed during that period that we will narrow it down to those who are going to contest,” Osuoha stated. “The party will want to conduct a free and fair primary to maintain clarity and prove that when we talk about democracy, we live by it.”
The PDP has officially resolved to zone the presidency to the South for the 2027 election,meaning the candidate must hail from the South-West,South-east,or South-South regions. Osuoha stressed that regional balance and party unity will be crucial considerations, with the party aiming to avoid internal conflict.
Sources within the party indicate ongoing consultations across the zones, with influential politicians discreetly reaching out to delegates, governors, and key power blocs. The South-East region is reportedly advocating strongly for the chance to produce the candidate, arguing it has been excluded from the presidency since the return to democracy in 1999. Simultaneously, allies of Governor Makinde in the South-West are quietly building support networks.
While Goodluck Jonathan has not publicly expressed interest in running, his name continues to be discussed within PDP circles. Supporters of Peter Obi are also closely monitoring the situation,given Obi’s previous affiliation with the PDP before joining the Labour Party.
Political analysts believe the PDP is at a critical juncture, as its candidate selection will considerably impact its competitiveness against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is facing early calls for a second term.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initiating its Continuous Voter Registration exercise, political activity is intensifying nationwide. The PDP leadership has assured its members of its commitment to internal democracy while balancing regional interests.The party expects to intensify negotiations in the coming weeks, with the outcome of the national convention shaping its overall 2027 strategy.