The People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South has dramatically reshaped the political terrain, shifting the spotlight away from northern aspirants and firmly onto its southern leaders.
At the heart of this contest are three prominent figures: former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Anambra Governor and 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Each brings unique strengths, weaknesses, and pathways to the ticket, while personalities such as Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim linger in the background, carrying symbolic weight.
Meanwhile, attention is also turning to possible running mates from the North, as balancing the ticket will be vital in stitching together a winning coalition.
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Goodluck Jonathan: The Consensus Candidate with an Old Burden
Goodluck Jonathan’s name remains powerful in Nigerian politics. He governed from 2010 to 2015, remembered both for achievements and shortcomings. His graceful concession of defeat in 2015 elevated Nigeria’s democratic image and earned him lasting global respect.
Within the PDP, Jonathan’s neutrality during internal crises has kept him in high regard as a respected elder. Party elders may see him as the consensus option to unify warring factions.
However, his challenges are notable. Nearing seventy, Jonathan risks being perceived as part of the old guard in a nation where younger voters demand generational change. His weakness in the North, a factor in his 2015 defeat, remains unresolved. Moreover, his presidency is still associated with corruption allegations and security lapses, issues the APC would exploit in any rematch.
Jonathan’s path to the ticket lies less in mass momentum and more in elite consensus—where governors and party powerbrokers prioritize stability over novelty.
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Peter Obi: The Outsider Within the Party
Peter Obi stands as the most electrifying option for the PDP. Having defected to the Labour Party in 2022, he ran a historic campaign in 2023, mobilizing millions through the ‘Obidient’ movement. His reputation for integrity, frugality, and accountability resonated strongly with professionals, students, and the Diaspora.
He dominated the South-East, won Lagos and Abuja, and penetrated parts of the North-Central, proving he could inspire nationwide enthusiasm. On pure electability, Obi is arguably the PDP’s most formidable candidate against the APC.
Yet, within the PDP, he remains divisive. Many still view his defection as betrayal, and a return could unsettle governors who fear being overshadowed. His northern support is also inconsistent, raising doubts among delegates about his ability to bridge regional divides.
Obi’s strength is grassroots energy, but convincing party insiders that he can convert popularity into electoral victory will be his toughest battle.
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Seyi Makinde: The Establishment’s Loyal Bet
Governor Seyi Makinde represents the establishment’s preference for continuity and loyalty. At fifty-seven, he provides generational freshness while staying grounded in party traditions. His ability to retain power in Oyo State despite APC dominance in the South-West underscores his political weight.
Known as a technocrat and pragmatist, Makinde has cultivated goodwill among party elders through his loyalty. The convention’s micro-zoning to the South-West, coupled with Ibadan being chosen as the convention venue, suggests he is being primed as a frontrunner.
However, Makinde’s national visibility remains limited compared to Jonathan and Obi. Beyond the South-West, his name recognition is modest, and his rivalry with former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike could complicate his path.
Makinde symbolizes institutional stability, but transforming this into nationwide appeal is his greatest hurdle.
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Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim: Symbol of Steadiness
Though not a top contender, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim continues to represent ideological loyalty and steadiness within the PDP. His political ambitions have always leaned more intellectual than populist, and he has often deferred to party consensus.
While unlikely to clinch the ticket, his influence in backroom negotiations could help shape alliances and underline the values of consistency at a time when defections have destabilized the party.
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Running Mate Calculations
With the presidency zoned to the South, the vice-presidential slot is reserved for the North. The choice will be pivotal in bridging internal divides and expanding the PDP’s electoral reach.
For Jonathan: He would require a northern Muslim with deep institutional standing. Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed is a natural fit, given his influence among governors. Former Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, with his technocratic reputation, also stands out as a stabilizing option.
For Obi: His urban, youth-driven appeal must be balanced by a northern figure with rural and grassroots legitimacy. Bala Mohammed again emerges as an ideal partner, while Dankwambo’s technocratic weight could strengthen Obi’s reformist image. Aminu Tambuwal could also be a viable running mate if he recommits fully to the PDP, offering both political skill and a northern base.
For Makinde: He too would require a strong northern partner. Bala Mohammed would add gravitas, while Dankwambo could deliver generational balance and technical expertise. A Makinde–Dankwambo pairing would symbolize a new era of youthful technocratic leadership.
Even Olawepo-Hashim, though unconventional, could be considered for loyalty and stability if the party opts for a compromise-driven ticket.
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Comparative Outlook
The PDP now faces a stark choice:
Jonathan offers consensus and elder statesmanship but risks being dismissed as outdated.
Obi brings unmatched national appeal and grassroots energy but divides insiders and faces doubts in the North.
Makinde represents loyalty and stability but lacks nationwide recognition.
Olawepo-Hashim remains symbolic, embodying principles of consistency.
Ultimately, the PDP’s survival as a national force may hinge on how it balances unity, loyalty, and electability. The final decision on candidate and running mate will determine whether the party presents a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu in 2027—or once again succumbs to internal fractures.
