Peer Party Democats Contemplate Jonathan Over Obi for 2027 Presidential Race
In the race for the 2027 Nigerian presidency, former President Goodluck Jonathan is gaining favour over Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party candidate, due to several key factors.
Jonathan's reputation and credibility are at the forefront of this preference. His peaceful handover of power and statesmanship are widely admired, making him a strong contender to address the country's current socio-economic and security challenges.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has a robust nationwide structure, also sees Jonathan as a viable candidate. He is believed to have the potential to unite the party and contest seriously. Peter Obi's departure from the PDP has weakened his alignment with the party's strategies and potential cooperation.
Northern elites, who hold significant power in Nigerian politics, are reportedly pushing Jonathan to contest. This move is seen as a counter to the influence of southern politicians like Obi. The Igbo identity of Obi is viewed as a barrier to gaining critical northern votes, leading to suggestions that he should consider a vice-presidential or ministerial role instead.
Jonathan is perceived as a safer candidate who can hold the presidency for one term, thereby satisfying zoning arrangements and reducing tensions around power rotation among Nigeria’s regions and ethnic groups.
While Peter Obi has pledged to serve only one term if given the opportunity in the presidential race, his current political positioning and ethnic base limit his viability compared to Jonathan.
The source's comments suggest a historical precedent of broken promises regarding serving only one term in the Nigerian political landscape. For instance, Jonathan himself had pledged to serve only one term before seeking a second term in 2011.
The source did not express a preference for Obi's promise, suggesting dissatisfaction with it. Moreover, party insiders reportedly stated that Obi's one-term promise did not sway many power brokers within the PDP.
The source also stated that, if Jonathan wins in 2027, power would return to the north, as per the zoning arrangements. Former President Obasanjo's announcement at Eagle Square that Jonathan would do just one term as the presidential candidate was also mentioned.
However, the source's comments indicate a lack of trust among politicians in Nigeria and a willingness to disregard past mistakes. They also suggest a perception that power is highly valued and difficult to relinquish among Nigerian politicians.
[1] Source: The Guardian Nigeria [2] Source: Premium Times Nigeria [3] Source: Vanguard Nigeria [4] Source: Sahara Reporters
- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) views former President Goodluck Jonathan as a candidate who can potentially unite the party and contest seriously in the 2027 Nigerian presidency, contrary to Peter Obi's current political positioning and ethnic base.
- Northern elites, who hold significant power in Nigerian politics, are pushing Jonathan to contest in the 2027 presidential election, with some viewing Peter Obi's Igbo identity as a barrier to gaining critical northern votes.
- Reports suggest that Jonathan is perceived as a safer candidate, as he can hold the presidency for one term and satisfy zoning arrangements, reducing tensions around power rotation among Nigeria’s regions and ethnic groups, unlike Peter Obi's pledge to serve only one term.
- The source's comments indicate a historical precedent of broken promises in the Nigerian political landscape, with former President Goodluck Jonathan himself having pledged to serve only one term before seeking a second term in 2011, raising questions about Peter Obi's one-term promise.
