Beyond Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde, Other Southern Politicians Begin Strategic Moves
Abuja — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed that several politicians are quietly positioning themselves for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election — extending beyond the widely speculated names of former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
This was disclosed by the party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, during an interview with Vanguard on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Osuoha, while public speculation continues to centre around the trio of Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde, behind-the-scenes manoeuvring is already underway by a number of other Southern politicians. He noted that private consultations and strategic engagements are ongoing as aspirants seek to secure the backing of key stakeholders within the party.
“Those names you mentioned are still speculations,” Osuoha said. “Right now, what is paramount in the party is negotiations and discussions, with people trying to identify who will be the most credible candidate.”
He stressed that the party is currently focused on its internal restructuring, especially the forthcoming national convention, during which new officers will be elected to lead the PDP over the next four years. The outcome of that convention, he added, will significantly shape the direction of the party’s presidential primary process.
“It is during that period that we will narrow it down to those who are going to contest. The party will want to conduct a free and fair primary to maintain transparency and prove that when we talk about democracy, we live by it,” Osuoha stated.
His comments come on the heels of remarks by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, who recently acknowledged Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde as prominent figures being considered by the party. However, Moro also emphasised that the field remains open, suggesting that other qualified contenders from the South could emerge as internal consultations continue to deepen.
The PDP, which is seeking a return to power after losing the presidency in 2015, is expected to face a highly competitive race both internally and against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. With the South increasingly seen as the zone likely to produce the party’s next presidential candidate, political activities in the region are expected to intensify in the coming months.
For now, party insiders suggest that while no formal declarations have been made, the groundwork is already being laid for what promises to be a tightly contested battle for the PDP ticket.
