2027: PDP leaders disagree over Jonathan, Obi, Makinde

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing fresh internal divisions as its leaders remain split over whether to field former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, or Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

It was gathered from multiple party sources that some leaders, allegedly aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, are pushing for Obi, while another bloc is rooting for Jonathan, arguing that he is the only figure within the party capable of giving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a serious challenge. A third group has also thrown Makinde’s name into the mix.

Amid the rift, the party inaugurated a 110-member organising committee on Monday, ahead of its 2025 elective national convention

The National Executive Committee had earlier fixed the convention for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, a meeting widely expected to shape the opposition party’s future and determine its flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement on Monday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the committee would oversee preparations and ensure a smooth exercise.

The committee is chaired by Adamawa State governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Osun State governor Ademola Adeleke as deputy chairman, former minister Kabir Turaki (SAN) as deputy chairman 2, and Enugu State governor Peter Mbah as secretary. Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, will serve as the BOT representative.

Party insiders say the composition of the committee reflects efforts to balance interests amid intensifying debates over Jonathan, Obi and other aspirants.

Speculation has been rife in recent months that key PDP stakeholders are making moves to woo Jonathan and Obi back to the party ahead of 2027.

However, Ologunagba earlier dismissed such claims, stressing that the party already has sitting governors and other influential figures capable of leading the country.

“In our party today, we have many qualified, performing governors who can be president,” Ologunagba said in a chat with journalists.

“On Jonathan, I don’t speak for him. Ask him yourself. The same with Obi. I don’t know why you are asking me that question; go ask Obi. It’s not for me to speculate.”