The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will on Thursday inaugurate both the National Working Committee (NWC) Zoning Committee and the 2027 Election Zoning Committee in Abuja. The panels are expected to recommend how key offices, including the presidential ticket, will be allocated across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
However, speculation about the PDP reaching out to Jonathan and Obi has split opinion within the NEC. Some senior members, speaking anonymously, questioned why the two should return after leaving the party at pivotal moments. They accused Jonathan of abandoning the PDP after his 2015 defeat and criticised Obi for defecting to the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 polls — a move they say weakened the party’s chances.
Others are more receptive, noting the PDP has space for any politician willing to abide by its rules. They also stress that the party already has viable contenders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
‘No Official Approach’
Multiple sources within the PDP leadership told Kogitribune there has been no official outreach to Jonathan or Obi, insisting that any contact so far has been made by individuals acting in a personal capacity.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the zoning committee’s inauguration and said the party already has “a sufficient pool of credible presidential contenders.”
“In our party today, we have many highly qualified, exceptionally capable, and performing governors who can become president of this country,” Ologunagba told journalists. “Ask Jonathan if he is contesting; I do not speak for him or Obi.”
Mixed Reactions Inside PDP
A PDP NWC member, speaking off record, said any return by Jonathan or Obi would be welcomed “with mixed feelings” given their past departures.
“Jonathan abandoned the party after the 2015 election when he should have been leading it. Obi’s defection before 2023 affected our performance. While we welcome them back, they must be ready to submit to party rules without dictating terms,” the official said.
Another NWC member argued that those pushing Jonathan’s candidacy may have “selfish interests” and insisted Obi must be ready to “follow due process” if he returns.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged unity but questioned the push for Jonathan. “He is not the only person we have. Governors like Seyi Makinde are capable, vibrant, and competent. Jonathan did well as president, but we have other options,” he said.
Former PDP National Secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri, stressed that Jonathan has never formally left the party. He doubted Obi’s willingness to return but said both would strengthen the PDP if they rejoined.
Constitutional Hurdle for Jonathan
Jonathan’s potential candidacy could be complicated by the 2018 constitutional amendment barring anyone sworn in twice as president from seeking another term. The former president, who completed the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure before winning in 2011, would legally be limited to one more term.
Party Rebuilding
The PDP is emerging from months of internal crisis, during which prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Ifeanyi Okowa, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Umo Eno defected to the APC and other parties. In July, the NEC fixed its national elective convention for November 15–16 in Ibadan to elect 19 new NWC members.
APC’s Response
Reacting to the developments, APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim dismissed the PDP as a party “in intensive care,” insisting President Bola Tinubu would defeat any PDP challenger in 2027.
“No matter who they present as their candidate, the APC will win,” Ibrahim told KogiTribune .
