PDP Sets Up Zoning Committee, Denies Reports On Jonathan And Obi Return

With less than two years to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) is split over informal efforts by certain individuals to bring back former President Goodluck Jonathan and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi into the fold.

The debate comes as the PDP is set to inaugurate both its National Working Committee (NWC) Zoning Committee and the 2027 Election Zoning Committee in Abuja today.

Some NWC members, speaking anonymously, questioned why Jonathan who distanced himself from the party after his 2015 loss and Obi whose defection to the Labour Party was seen as damaging to PDP’s 2023 campaign should be welcomed back. Others are open to their return but stress that the PDP already has credible contenders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

Party insiders confirmed no official outreach has been made to either Jonathan or Obi, with those engaging them doing so in a personal capacity. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba reiterated that the party has a wide pool of potential presidential candidates and that the current focus is on the November 15–16 National Elective Convention in Ibadan.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed PDP’s prospects, with APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim insisting President Bola Tinubu will defeat any PDP candidate in 2027.

The PDP has only recently emerged from months of internal crisis, during which key figures including Atiku Abubakar, Ifeanyi Okowa, and several governors defected to the APC or other parties. In recent weeks, Governor Bala Mohammed met separately with Jonathan and Obi to discuss a possible return, while senior figures like Sule Lamido and Jerry Gana have publicly urged both to rejoin.

Jonathan’s potential candidacy remains legally contentious due to a 2018 constitutional amendment limiting those sworn in twice to one additional term. Obi has publicly stated he remains committed to the Labour Party and its alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Reactions within PDP are mixed. Some leaders argue both men should be welcomed for their political weight, but only if they follow party rules. Others accuse those pushing Jonathan’s candidacy of self-interest, warning that the party should also promote younger leaders. Ibrahim Tsauri, former PDP National Secretary, noted that Jonathan never formally left the PDP, but stressed that neither he nor Obi has been officially approached.

Ologunagba emphasized that while the PDP is open to all Nigerians willing to abide by its constitution, the party will enforce total loyalty and reject any form of disloyalty. The Zoning Committee, he said, will be inaugurated today to prepare recommendations ahead of the NEC’s next meeting.

Meanwhile, the APC maintains that the PDP is politically weakened, with Ibrahim branding it a party “in the intensive care unit” that cannot challenge the ruling party in 2027.