The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is considering former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as potential candidates for the 2027 presidential election.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
Governor Mohammed, Jonathan, whom he described as one of the most celebrated politicians today, had faced political blackmail before contesting the 2015 presidential election but was later cleared by the court.
Mohammed further said Jonathan would be considered if he joins the PDP and opens his mind to running.
”Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, would also be given the opportunity if he decides to return to the PDP, ” he added.
Mohammed emphasised that Obi would be welcome on the platform, where there would be fewer encumbrances.
The governor added that other southern politicians, such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, were free to contest the ticket.
The PDP recently zoned its presidential ticket to the southern part of the country, retaining the chairmanship position for a northerner.
The decision has generated interest in potential candidates from the south, including Jonathan and Obi.
Mohammed also said that the party needs a Christian presidential candidate from the South to avoid the mistake made in the 2023 presidential election.
He emphasised that the PDP should prioritize Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity when selecting its flagbearer.
He suggested that the ideal ticket would feature a Christian southerner as the presidential candidate and a Muslim northerner as the vice presidential candidate.
Mohammed criticised the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023, saying it provoked backlash and undermined Nigeria’s diversity.
He believed the PDP should learn from this experience and choose a ticket that reflects the country’s plural realities.
