Abuja, Nigeria – Former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State governor Peter Obi are among southern politicians being considered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as potential candidates for the 2027 presidential election, according to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
Mohammed disclosed this on Thursday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he said the PDP was open to prominent southern figures who could strengthen the party ahead of the polls.
He described Jonathan as “one of the most celebrated politicians today,” recalling how the former president was subjected to political blackmail before the 2015 elections but was eventually cleared by the courts.
“But certainly, former President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking of, if he joins us and opens his mind to run. And even other people like former governor Obi because if he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances, he will be given the opportunity too,” Mohammed said.
When asked if PDP governors were already in talks with Obi, who contested the 2023 election on the platform of the Labour Party, Mohammed responded: “Have you not seen him with me? He’s my brother, my friend. He’s also one of the most celebrated politicians. Whether in a coalition or not, we are not sleeping we are working, only that we don’t make noise.”
The Bauchi governor also mentioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as another southern figure within the PDP who is eligible to contest the party’s presidential ticket.
He added that he had engaged with other political leaders, including former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, on the possibility of returning to the PDP.
“There are so many politicians. I even had a session with Governor Amaechi. I have not been sleeping. I have to make sure I drive a closing of ranks for people to come and help. And yes, Amaechi is free to return if he wishes,” Mohammed stated.
The governor stressed that the PDP was positioning itself to field a candidate with broad national appeal, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
