A growing rift has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the choice of its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, with top party leaders divided between backing former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Labour Party (LP) flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi.

Sources within the party revealed that a powerful bloc of PDP stakeholders is actively lobbying Jonathan to return and accept an automatic ticket. The move is seen as a strategic calculation by party elites, especially from the North, who consider Jonathan—eligible for only one more term—a transitional figure who could pave the way for other contenders in 2031.

A member of the PDP Board of Trustees, who spoke anonymously, said:

“Serious efforts are underway to convince Jonathan to contest. Many northern leaders believe he represents a unifying figure who can stabilize the party and the country.”

The lobby gained traction during a recent high-level meeting in The Gambia, where Jonathan joined Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Senator Abdul Ningi for a regional summit. Although officially focused on diplomacy and governance, insiders said the trip doubled as a strategic discussion on 2027.

Governor Mohammed had previously stated that he would only shelve his own presidential ambitions if Jonathan agreed to run.

“If we can persuade him to come forward, I will support him with my blood,” he said.

Meanwhile, efforts to woo Mr. Peter Obi back to the PDP has been complicated by his political alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and ongoing tensions within the Labour Party. Some PDP leaders view Obi’s lack of firm commitment as a liability.

Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, a South-East leader of the Obidient Movement, dismissed the idea of Obi rejoining the PDP at this stage, citing the party’s instability.

“It is risky to swim in a river filled with sharks and crocodiles,” he said, referring to internal crises within the PDP, which is set to hold its national convention in November.

Despite the skepticism, former PDP National Chairman, Prof. Jerry Gana, remains confident in Obi’s electoral strength if he returns to the PDP.

“In the North, Peter Obi will defeat any candidate if he runs on the PDP platform,” Gana said in an interview with Arise News.

Gana revealed that he is leading a search committee to identify a winning candidate, while still considering Obi a strong contender.

“Peter may be good, but we may find someone even better,” he said, hinting at ongoing internal assessments.

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Gana added:

“We made a mistake. If I were Atiku, I would have stepped aside and supported Peter Obi.”

Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has publicly criticized politicians who pledge to serve only one term, calling such promises deceptive.

Speaking at a solidarity rally in Ekwulobia, Soludo said:

“Anyone making that promise should have their head examined in a mental hospital.”

Though Soludo did not mention Obi by name, his remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled attack on the former Anambra governor, who has repeatedly vowed to serve only one term if elected.

In response, Obi defended his pledge in a post on X (formerly Twitter), citing leaders like Nelson Mandela and John F. Kennedy who prioritized impactful service over long tenure.

“I will not spend a day longer than four years in office if elected,” Obi stated, adding, “If making such a promise qualifies me for psychiatric evaluation, then we must question those who framed our Constitution.”

The deepening rift reflects broader political undercurrents in Nigeria’s evolving power dynamics. Analysts believe Soludo views a potential Obi presidency as a threat to his own ambitions for 2031, amid growing calls for an Igbo presidency.

As the PDP prepares for its elective convention, the battle for its 2027 presidential ticket continues to intensify, shaped by calculations, alliances and unresolved rivalries.