By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has set up its zoning committees ahead of the 2027 presidential election, while firmly denying speculation of negotiations with former President Goodluck Jonathan and 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
Party insiders remain divided on the possibility of their return.
Some senior officials, speaking anonymously, voiced strong opposition, accusing Jonathan of abandoning the PDP and blaming Obi’s 2023 defection for the party’s electoral setback.
Others, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, welcome their return, citing the need for unity and political goodwill.
Osadolor also pointed to the party’s strong internal contenders, such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
Though no official outreach has been made to Jonathan or Obi, recent separate meetings between Governor Mohammed and the two politicians have stoked speculation.
The debate comes as the PDP struggles to recover from prolonged internal crises and high-profile defections.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed the opposition’s chances, with its Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, predicting a 2027 victory for President Bola Tinubu regardless of the PDP’s candidate.
With a constitutional amendment potentially limiting Jonathan to a single term if he returns, the PDP faces an uphill task in charting a unified course to the next election.
