by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed that a wider pool of politicians is quietly positioning for its 2027 presidential ticket, beyond the few prominent names currently in public discourse.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, said ongoing negotiations and consultations within the PDP would determine who eventually emerges as its flagbearer.
Public attention has largely focused on former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. However, Osuoha noted that these figures represent only a fraction of the aspirants engaging stakeholders behind the scenes.
“Those names you mentioned remain speculative. What matters now are consultations. The party is deeply engaging to identify the most credible candidate who can unify Nigeria and command nationwide support,” Osuoha stated.
He added that while Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde continue to dominate public debate, other influential politicians, particularly from the South, have begun reaching out discreetly to PDP leaders as they quietly build momentum ahead of formal declarations.
For now, Osuoha stressed, the party’s immediate focus is not the presidential ticket but its forthcoming national convention, where new national officers will be elected to steer the PDP into the 2027 elections.
“It is after the convention that the field will narrow to those who truly want to contest. The PDP is committed to a free, fair, and transparent primary to demonstrate that we practice the democracy we preach,” he said.
His remarks come on the heels of Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro’s recent statement listing Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde among possible contenders, while also acknowledging that other credible figures from the South could enter the race as consultations intensify.
With less than two years to the party primaries, analysts suggest the PDP’s strategy will hinge on producing a unifying candidate capable of bridging internal divisions and mounting a strong challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.