Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is weighing the possibility of fielding either former President Goodluck Jonathan or Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor, as its presidential candidate in 2027.
The disclosure comes after the PDP resolved to zone its next presidential ticket to the south. On Wednesday, Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) confirmed that some party stakeholders have already opened talks with Jonathan and Obi about a potential return to the platform.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Mohammed praised Jonathan as “one of the most celebrated politicians today despite past political blackmail” and stressed that Obi would also be welcomed if he decides to rejoin the PDP.
“But certainly, President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking of, if he joins us and opens his mind to run. And even other people like Governor Obi, because if he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances, he will be given the opportunity too,” the governor said.
He added that the door remains open to other southern politicians such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
“I have been engaging with leaders to close ranks. Even Amaechi is free to return if he wishes. The party needs all hands on deck,” he said.
Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, also admitted that the party’s failure to zone its 2023 ticket to the south contributed to its defeat, arguing that zoning a southern Christian candidate with a northern Muslim running mate in 2027 would better reflect Nigeria’s diversity.
 is weighing the possibility of fielding either){kind=link}