Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formed a zoning committee ahead of its National Elective Convention, even as internal debates continue over the potential return of former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
The PDP will inaugurate its National Working Committee (NWC) Zoning Committee and 2027 Election Zoning Committee today in Abuja. However, top members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are split over moves by certain individuals reaching out to Jonathan and Obi, neither of whom has officially declared intentions to return.
Some NEC members criticize any move to bring back Jonathan and Obi, arguing that both men deserted the party during critical periods. Jonathan, they say, withdrew after his 2015 loss, while Obi’s 2019 defection weakened the PDP’s 2023 prospects.
Other leaders support their return but stress that the PDP has capable contenders like Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
A PDP NWC member confirmed no official talks have been held with either Jonathan or Obi, stating that any outreach has been personal, not party-sanctioned.
“Jonathan and Obi are welcome if they submit to party rules. But they left at critical times, and their return would be received with mixed feelings,” a senior PDP official said.
A constitutional hurdle also exists: the 2018 amendment prohibits a president from serving more than one full term if they were previously sworn in to complete another’s tenure, a clause that could bar Jonathan from contesting again.
Multiple PDP leaders, including youth leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri, emphasized that the party would welcome Jonathan and Obi, but only under the condition that they compete fairly and follow party processes.
“We have competent leaders like Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed. If Jonathan or Obi want to return, they must be ready to be treated like every other member,” another NEC member said.
While some party elders see Jonathan as an easier candidate to market, others argue for newer, younger faces.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the party’s priority is its elective convention, scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. He reaffirmed that the PDP has many credible presidential prospects and warned members against disloyalty.
“Loyalty must be 100%. This is the only party with a structure in every part of Nigeria. Anyone who left is welcome to return, but the rules must be respected,” Ologunagba said.
In response, the APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed PDP’s revival efforts, calling it a party “on life support.”
“No matter who they present, APC’s candidate, President Tinubu, will win,” Ibrahim claimed.
