The PDP says its 2027 presidential candidate will emerge from ongoing consultations, not just popular names like Jonathan, Obi, or Makinde
While public attention continues to focus on prominent figures like former President Goodluck Jonathan, Peter Obi, and Governor Seyi Makinde, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the race for its 2027 presidential ticket is far from decided.
Also read:PDP 2027 presidential ticket draws fresh contenders
According to the party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, several other southern politicians — not yet in the media spotlight — are actively engaging party stakeholders and quietly building momentum ahead of formal declarations.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Abuja, Osuoha said that while names like Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde have dominated speculation, the PDP is currently prioritising deep internal consultations.
“Those names you mentioned remain speculative at this stage,” Osuoha said.
“The PDP is deeply engaged in consultations to identify the most credible candidate — one who can unite Nigeria and win widespread support.”
Osuoha revealed that behind-the-scenes lobbying and private meetings are already underway, with aspirants positioning themselves for a post-convention declaration.
He noted that many potential candidates are deliberately staying out of the limelight while consolidating support within the party structure.
“Many credible aspirants are waiting for the right time to go public. For now, the party’s focus is our national convention,” he said.
Osuoha emphasised that the PDP’s immediate priority is the upcoming national convention, where new national officers will be elected to lead the party into the 2027 election cycle.
“It is after the convention that the party will formally narrow the field to those who want to contest,” he explained.
“We are committed to conducting a free, fair, and transparent primary.
The PDP wants to show Nigerians that we walk the talk when it comes to democracy.”
Osuoha’s remarks follow those of Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro who recently listed Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde as key potential contenders.
However, Moro also acknowledged that other credible aspirants from the South could emerge as consultations intensify.
Also read:PDP 2027 Presidential Candidate Must Be Southern, Says Rep Inuwa Mohammed Bassi
Political analysts believe the PDP’s greatest challenge lies in producing a unifying figure someone capable of bridging the party’s internal divisions and mounting a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
