Bauchi State Governor and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is actively courting former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi to join the party and potentially contest the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on ‘Politics Today,’ Governor Mohammed confirmed Jonathan’s consideration for the PDP ticket but emphasized that he is not the sole candidate under consideration. “We are courting Jonathan but he is not the only person,” he stated.
On the possibility of Peter Obi returning to the PDP, Governor Mohammed noted Obi’s frequent presence in Bauchi and their close relationship, saying, “Have you not seen him in Bauchi several times? Have you not seen him with me? He is my brother and my friend and one of the most celebrated politicians. You have also seen him within the coalition. Definitely we are not sleeping, it is just that we don’t make noise about it.”
Reflecting on the PDP’s loss in the 2023 presidential election, Mohammed attributed the defeat to the party’s failure to zone the ticket to the South. “Life is always a learning process. When we did it [throwing the ticket open] in 2023, it was not a pleasant experience, and that was why we lost. I discovered to my surprise that the presidency is a consensus phenomenon. You cannot impose yourself on anybody or any group,” he explained.
Further confirming ongoing discussions, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro recently disclosed on the same program that talks are underway for both Obi and Jonathan to possibly return to the PDP. “So, in the run-up to 2027, I am aware certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi, ‘Hey, come back home, this is what we are likely to do, and if you come, you stand a chance of being the candidate. Some people are also talking to the former president to come and run. It is a possibility,” he said.
As the 2027 election approaches, the PDP appears to be strategically positioning itself by bringing influential figures back into the fold while aiming to unify regional support for a stronger presidential bid.
