Former president Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State governor Peter Obi are among southern politicians the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
Bauchi State governor and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, revealed this on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He described Jonathan as “the most celebrated politician today,” noting that the former leader had faced political blackmail before the 2019 elections but was later cleared by the courts.
Mohammed added that Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, would also be welcomed if he decided to return to the PDP.
“Certainly, former President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are considering, should he decide to run. Even former governor Obi, if he returns to a better platform without encumbrances, will be given the opportunity too,” Mohammed stated.
When asked whether PDP governors were actively reaching out to Obi, Mohammed responded: “Have you not seen him with me? He’s my brother, my friend, and one of the most celebrated politicians. Whether within a coalition or not, we are not sleeping — we just don’t make noise.”
The governor further noted that other southern politicians, including Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde, remained free to contest for the ticket. He also mentioned former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, suggesting that he too could return to the PDP if he wished.
According to Mohammed, the PDP seeks prominent southern leaders capable of strengthening the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.