PDP Engages Peter Obi, Southern Leaders Ahead of 2027 Election
Jerry Gana Confirms Strategic Consultations
Founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, has revealed that the opposition party is actively engaging with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other influential southern politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gana, a respected elder and former Minister of Information, made the disclosure during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Friday. He stated that consultations are part of the PDP’s strategy to reposition itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
PDP Eyes Southern Presidential Ticket
Momentum Builds Around Peter Obi
Amid growing speculation that the PDP may zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, Gana’s comments add weight to rumors of a strategic realignment. The speculation intensified after PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, declared:
“Peter Obi is our product. We want to get him back, indeed, because he is a very, very great capital for any political party.”
When asked on AIT to confirm the discussions with Obi, Gana responded affirmatively.
“Yes, why not? He was our member. In fact, if I were the former Vice President, I would have in 2023 said, ‘No, Peter, you were my vice-presidential candidate in 2019. Now, I’ll support you.’ It would have been a strong statement.”
No Formal Deal Yet, But Talks Are Underway
Gana: “We’re Moving Step by Step”
Although a formal agreement has yet to be reached, Gana disclosed that conversations have already taken place with Obi and his close allies.
“I have met people. I have met him (Obi), and I have met people he would refer to, and I have sat with them for hours. We are moving step by step,” he said.
However, Gana stressed that Peter Obi is not the sole focus of the PDP’s outreach in the South.
“We’re not just looking at one person. One, two, three, even more. You know, the South is full of talents.”
Reflecting on 2023: Gana Recounts PDP’s Missed Opportunities
Atiku Abubakar, Wike, and the Internal Struggles
Gana also revisited the events leading up to the 2023 presidential election, revealing how the PDP rallied behind Atiku Abubakar despite internal concerns.
“He left in 2014 to go and form the APC. He only came back to us towards the end. He requested for the party’s ticket in 2019. He didn’t get it. In 2023, we still gave him another opportunity.”
The PDP chieftain said he hosted a pivotal meeting at his residence between Atiku and then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, aimed at reconciling internal divisions before the election.
“To be fair to both of them, they honored me. They came to my small house, and I said, ‘Nigerians expect the PDP to win this election.’ So let’s resolve this matter so that we win and form government.”
Zoning, Power-Sharing and Party Loyalty
Gana acknowledged the longstanding zoning controversy within the PDP and admitted that the presidency “should have initially gone to the South.” However, following Atiku’s victory at the primaries, party leaders agreed to respect the democratic outcome.
He also noted that Wike, who felt snubbed after not being chosen as running mate, demanded that the PDP national chairmanship be ceded to the South.
PDP’s Path Forward: Rebuilding and Repositioning
With Nigeria grappling with rising economic hardship, Gana emphasized that the PDP is focused on restructuring its internal framework to emerge as a viable political alternative in 2027.
“We must rebuild the PDP into a party that gives hope to Nigerians,” Gana stated.
