A respected elder in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, is now leading a special committee to scout for the party’s next presidential candidate ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Gana, a former Minister of Information, also disclosed that serious talks are underway to persuade Peter Obi to return to the PDP.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidency on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), left the PDP in May 2022—just days before the party’s presidential primaries.
Obi’s switch to LP was swift. He joined on May 27 and became the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 polls. Many believe his defection dealt a blow to PDP’s fortunes, especially among the youth and middle class.
Now, with an eye on 2027, the PDP appears determined not to repeat past mistakes.
Peter Obi or Someone Better?
Appearing on Prime Time, a flagship programme on Arise TV, Gana was clear: the PDP wants Obi back, but it is also considering other names.
“The PDP is on the ground. I’m a researcher, and I research opinions. In the northern states, Peter Obi under the PDP will defeat any candidate because our people are very fair-minded and just,” he declared.
The party elder revealed he is heading the committee responsible for identifying a credible candidate. But even as he praised Obi’s qualities, he hinted that others may be under consideration.
“We are reaching out to Peter Obi. Because I’m leading a search team and there are many brilliant people, Peter may be good, but we have somebody better. So, we are searching,” he said.
The move to bring Obi back comes amid reports linking him to a possible alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). But Gana believes the PDP remains the more formidable and appealing platform for any serious contender in 2027.
Lessons from 2023 Still Linger
Reflecting on the last election cycle, Gana admitted that the PDP mishandled Obi’s departure. In his words, “We made a mistake in 2023. If I were Atiku, I would say, ‘Peter, it is now your turn; I would give you a vice-president,’ but he didn’t.”
That decision may have cost the PDP dearly. Many observers argue that a united ticket between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi could have posed a greater challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Now, as the PDP regroups, its internal strategy appears focused on healing old wounds and choosing a candidate with widespread acceptability—not just among the elite, but also across the grassroots.
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