By Nwosa Hamilton
In a strategic move to broaden its options for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly considering former President Goodluck Jonathan, among other prominent southern leaders, as potential candidates to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
This was made known by Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader.
Osadolor, who spoke with the press, said the party is not limiting its choices to a select few but is actively exploring a diverse pool of capable leaders to challenge Tinubu for the presidency.
He emphasized that reducing the 2027 contest to a three-way race between Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi would be a disservice to Nigeria’s over 240 million citizens.
He said: “Limiting a country of over 240 million people to just names on a list of less than 10, which the Waziri of Adamawa (Atiku) happens to be one of, is a disservice to over 240 million Nigerians and over 10 million eligible to be President.
“There is nobody who was created or given birth to and handed the staff of office of President by the Israelis.
“The truth is this: narrowing the PDP ticket or any ticket to only Atiku, Obi, or Tinubu is a disservice. Other people within the PDP have track records of service.
“We have people like Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom, who transformed the landscape of the state. We have Governor Seyi Makinde, who has turned Oyo from an ancient sleeping kingdom into a fast-growing industrial state.
“Goodluck Jonathan is there too. There are people like him within the party. It’s just a matter of decision-making and conviction to throw their hat in the ring.”
