Jonathan will be the most formidable opponent to Tinubu. But Peter Obi will remain the choice of the youths
As political permutations gather pace ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is weighing two prominent Southern figures, former President Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, as potential flagbearers to challenge President Tinubu .
Multiple party sources say Jonathan has emerged as a top contender within PDP circles, with efforts underway to bring him back into the fold amid the party’s ongoing internal crisis and declining influence .
Although Obi has been the subject of lobbying by several PDP stakeholders seeking his return, resistance remains, particularly from some Northern PDP power brokers who argue that Obi’s one‑term pledge lacks legal force .
Within the ADC‑led coalition, the central dilemma is whether to support Atiku again or back a Southern candidate like Obi or Rotimi Amaechi, both of whom have pledged to serve only one term if elected .
PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi said, “Even those who criticised him are now admitting they were wrong. They’re asking for his forgiveness and urging him to return because they now recognise his values” .