By John Umeh
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again at the center of political drama as conversations about who will fly the party’s flag in the 2027 presidential election gain momentum. Rumors, denials, and competing interests are colliding, exposing the cracks within Nigeria’s oldest opposition party.
The Zoning Dilemma
At the core of the PDP’s troubles is the question of zoning. The party has reportedly zoned its presidential ticket to the South, effectively shutting out Northern aspirants. While the move is aimed at balancing power after years of Northern dominance, it has sparked discontent among some of the party’s northern heavyweights.
For many stakeholders in the South, this decision is a long-awaited opportunity to reclaim political relevance. But in the North, critics warn that excluding their region could deepen divisions and weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 polls.
Rumors of a Shortlist
In recent weeks, speculation swirled that the party had quietly shortlisted three prominent figures as potential candidates: former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The idea of a shortlist immediately drew public attention and controversy. To some, it suggested that the PDP was finally becoming decisive about its future. To others, it looked like a backroom deal meant to impose candidates on the party.
However, PDP officials have since dismissed the report, describing it as “mere speculation.” The party insists that no official list exists and that its candidate will only emerge after a transparent primary election.
Northern Resistance
The biggest pushback has come from Northern loyalists. Several groups have warned the PDP against what they describe as “a dangerous experiment” that could mirror the mistakes of 2015, when internal divisions led to the party’s fall from power.
Northern aspirants like Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and others argue that the presidency should remain open to all regions if the PDP is to retain its identity as a truly national party.
Party loyalists in the North-West released statements cautioning that imposing a southern candidate could alienate the North and push voters toward rival parties. For them, the PDP cannot afford to gamble with regional sentiments at a time when Nigerians are desperate for solutions.
Spotlight on the Alleged Frontrunners
Even though the party has denied having an official shortlist, the public continues to focus on the three figures at the center of the speculation.
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Goodluck Jonathan: The former president remains a polarizing figure. Supporters believe he has the experience and credibility to stabilize Nigeria. Critics argue his return would represent a step backward and might even split the PDP internally.
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Peter Obi: Popular among youths and middle-class Nigerians, Obi’s name stirs excitement. But his past defection from the PDP to the Labour Party raises questions about loyalty. Many ask: would the PDP truly welcome him back as a standard-bearer?
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Seyi Makinde: Seen as a fresh, younger face, the Oyo governor has built a reputation as a pragmatic leader. Yet, many doubt whether he has the national reach and political weight needed to withstand the fire of a presidential election.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond personalities, the PDP’s biggest challenge is unity. With Nigeria’s political landscape increasingly unpredictable, the opposition cannot afford internal fractures. The ruling APC is already positioning itself for 2027, and any slip by the PDP could be fatal.
The zoning debate, the question of inclusion, and the struggle over who represents the party will define the PDP’s path in the coming months. What remains clear is that the PDP must walk a fine line: balancing regional equity, party democracy, and national acceptability.
Conclusion
For now, the party insists that no candidate has been chosen. But whether officially endorsed or not, the names of Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde have already framed the conversation—and they may very well shape the PDP’s destiny in 2027.
If the party fails to reconcile zoning politics with its need for unity, it risks heading into the elections as a divided house—a situation that history has shown always ends badly.
