Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, as potential presidential candidates for the 2027 elections.
Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, said the party’s leadership is exploring options following its decision to zone the presidential ticket to the south.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the governor described Jonathan as “one of the most celebrated politicians today despite past political blackmail” and hinted that Obi, if he returns to the PDP from the Labour Party, would be given a fair chance.
“But certainly, President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking of, if he joins us and opens his mind to run. And even other people like Governor Obi—if he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances—he will be given the opportunity too,” Mohammed said.
The Bauchi governor also noted that other southern politicians, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, are not ruled out of contention.
“Well, Amaechi is free to return if he wants to. I have been engaging many leaders because we need to close ranks and rebuild the party,” he added.
Mohammed further admitted that the PDP’s loss in 2023 was largely due to its failure to zone the ticket to the south, arguing that the party now needs “a Christian from the south with a northern Muslim as running mate” to better reflect Nigeria’s diversity.
