As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections approach, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is at a crucial juncture. After zoning its presidential ticket to the South to heal internal rifts from 2023, the party must now choose a flagbearer capable of uniting its base and challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Background
• 2023 Elections Impact: PDP was deeply fractured by Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy, defections, and internal betrayals.
• Challenges: Emergence of G5 governors, southern leaders’ rebellion, and third-force movements like Labour Party and ADC exposed PDP’s inability to present a united front.
• 2027 Objective: Identify a candidate with competence, popularity, and cross-regional appeal to revive the party and compete nationally.
• Zoning: Ticket awarded to the South; focus now shifts to selecting a suitable vice-presidential candidate from the North.
Potential Southern Flagbearers
1. Goodluck Jonathan (South-South)
• Profile: Former President (2010–2015), Deputy Governor of Bayelsa → Vice President → Acting President → President.
• Key Quote: “My political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
• Strengths: National acceptance, democratic legacy, appeal in South-South and parts of the North.
• Challenges: Age, past corruption allegations.
• Notes: Possible return would signal a reliance on nostalgia and proven leadership to counter APC and ADC.
2. Peter Obi (South-East)
• Profile: Former Governor of Anambra State; Labour Party presidential candidate 2023.
• Key Quote: “Nigeria is not short of ideas; what we lack is political will and commitment.”
• Strengths: Reformist, youth appeal, bridge between older politicians and younger voters, credibility on economic reform.
• Challenges: Distrust from some PDP power brokers due to 2022 defection.
• Notes: Could boost PDP credibility among urban voters and youths.
3. Seyi Makinde (South-West)
• Profile: Governor of Oyo State; G5 governor who opposed Atiku in 2023.
• Key Quote: “You cannot build fairness by ignoring justice; we must give every region its due.”
• Strengths: Pragmatic governance, approachable leadership, emphasis on equity, youthful representation.
• Challenges: National recognition less than Jonathan or Obi.
4. Sam Ohuabunwa (South-East)
• Profile: Pharmacist, businessman, former Chairman of NESG; PDP 2023 aspirant.
• Key Quote: “This office of the president is a serious office. You must have experience in managing many things at the same time. I have the experience. I have been trained. I may belong to the older group but my spirit, my heart is of a young person.”
• Strengths: Technocratic, managerial experience, reformist approach.
• Challenges: Less popular than political heavyweights.
5. Emmanuel Udom (South-South)
• Profile: Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Secretary to the State Government under Godswill Akpabio.
• Key Quote: “The time has come for men of proven integrity, character, and experience to lead Nigeria.”
• Strengths: Integrity, principled leadership, steady governance.
• Challenges: Limited visibility outside South-South.
6. Nyesom Wike (South-South)
• Profile: Minister of the FCT (APC), former G5 governor and PDP financier.
• Key Quote: “I stood for justice, fairness, and equity. I will never support any system that undermines the South.”
• Strengths: Powerful southern advocate, influential in PDP politics.
• Challenges: Cooperation with APC makes him divisive; loyalty questioned.
7. Anyim Pius Anyim (South-East)
• Profile: Former Senate President and SGF; hails from Ebonyi State; left PDP for APC in July 2024.
• Key Quote: “Nigeria can only work when every section of this country feels carried along.”
• Strengths: Legislative and executive experience, influence in PDP circles.
• Challenges: Limited youth appeal and mass movement support.
• Notes: Could emerge as a consensus candidate if PDP seeks compromise.
Key Takeaways
• The PDP’s choice of a southern flagbearer is critical for party unity and national competitiveness.
• Selecting a vice-presidential candidate from the North is equally important for balancing the ticket.
• The party faces a strategic decision that could define its role in Nigeria’s 2027 elections against APC and ADC.
