The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed that several aspirants are quietly positioning themselves for its 2027 presidential ticket, beyond former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, revealed this on Sunday, September 14 that the party is currently engaged in intense internal negotiations and consultations to determine who will eventually emerge as its flagbearer.
His remarks followed comments by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who listed Jonathan, Obi, and Makinde among those being considered. Moro also noted that other qualified contenders from the South could still enter the race as discussions progress.
“Those names you mentioned are still speculations. Right now, what is paramount in the party is negotiations and discussions, with people trying to identify who will be the most credible candidate,” Osuoha said.
He added that while public attention is focused on the three figures, other potential aspirants from across the South are already in private talks with stakeholders.
According to him, the PDP’s immediate priority is to hold its national convention to elect new officers who will lead the party for the next four years. After the convention, the party will move to streamline the list of presidential aspirants ahead of the primaries.
“It is during that period that we will narrow it down to those who are going to contest. The party will want to conduct a free and fair primary to maintain transparency and prove that when we talk about democracy, we live by it,” he said.
Osuoha explained that the PDP’s zoning arrangement will guide the process, noting that the presidency has been zoned to the South.
“Whoever will contest must come from the South-West, South-East, or South-South,” he stated, stressing that regional balance and party unity would be key considerations.