The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is quietly rebuilding from within, as conversations heat up over who will fly the party’s flag in the 2027 presidential election.
Following the exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the South is gradually reclaiming focus in the PDP’s internal jostle.
Former Board of Trustees Chairman, Bode George, said consultations are ongoing to rally support around credible southern aspirants.
“That process of getting a southerner as presidential flagbearer of the party is on,” George told Punch. “In politics, there is no shutdown. We are going for a meeting this week, a make or break meeting if you like.”
George insisted that zoning and the search for a southern candidate were being handled with discretion to avoid premature controversies.
“Arrangements are going on already, and there are quite some respectable, responsible people with good character, tested and proven,” he said. “But it is too early to start throwing names up. If you do that now, you are looking for trouble.”
Makinde, Bala, and the Shifting Centre of Power
Atiku’s resignation on July 1 shook the PDP to its core. His decision followed what he called “irreconcilable differences” with the party’s current direction. In his words:
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged. As a founding father of this esteemed party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision.”
The vacuum he left has opened doors for new presidential hopefuls like Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. Although neither has formally declared, party insiders believe they are the top contenders.
“I know that the likes of Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and other leaders of our party are aspiring to run,” a source confirmed. “Popular among leaders of the party and other stakeholders within the party for now are Makinde and Bala Mohammed.”
The source added that many others had held back their ambitions out of fear of Atiku’s political dominance.
“The exit of Atiku Abubakar is going to bring calm to the party. His ambition has always been a threat to the ambition of others,” another party chieftain explained. “Even resolving issues internally was difficult because leaders didn’t want to play into his hands.”
Some NEC members still argue that unity and electability should trump regional zoning, but the push for a Southern candidate is gaining ground.
The party’s 101st NEC meeting, scheduled for July 24, is expected to focus on zoning and the upcoming national convention. That meeting may set the tone for how the 2027 contest will be shaped.
A New Coalition Rises, but PDP Holds Its Ground
Meanwhile, Atiku has teamed up with other opposition figures—including Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi—to launch a new alliance under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Former Senate President David Mark chairs the coalition, while former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola serves as Secretary.
But many PDP leaders remain unfazed. They see the party’s deep grassroots structure as its main strength.
“PDP is a party for all Nigerians,” said another source. “We have governors. We have senators and elected assembly members, and quite a lot more to offer Nigerians. Forget the noise the ADC is making.”
Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor has also rejected the idea of reducing the 2027 race to just Tinubu, Atiku, and Obi. He described that framing as unjust.
“Limiting a country of over 240 million people to just names on a list of less than 10 is a disservice,” he said. “Leadership is not the preserve of a select few.”
Osadolor mentioned other capable PDP leaders who could join the race.
“We have people like Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom. We have Governor Seyi Makinde, who has turned Oyo into a fast-growing industrial state. Goodluck Jonathan is there too,” he said.
On zoning, he added: “The last time, it was thrown open. But the voices are now audible and clearer to most of us—it is going to the South this time around.”
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