Yenagoa, Bayelsa—The political landscape is heating up ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) making it clear that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is not their sole candidate for the top job.
Speaking on the brewing contest for the party’s ticket, a senior PDP official, who preferred to remain anonymous given the sensitivity of the internal discussions, confirmed that while the former president remains a respectable figure and a potential option, the party’s leadership is currently considering a broad field of aspirants, particularly from the South.
This statement comes amid persistent rumours and endorsements from various PDP factions and political groups, many of whom have publicly called for Dr Jonathan to return to the presidential race.
Why the Clarification Matters in the Niger Delta
For the Niger Delta Herald’s core audience—people from or interested in the region—this PDP internal balancing act is significant. The former president’s potential candidacy holds immense symbolic and political capital in the South-South. Any move that suggests he is being relegated or treated as merely one of many options will naturally cause concern and robust debate among his loyal base.
“The party needs to maintain its wide appeal, and we have numerous capable leaders in the South, many of whom have shown strong political muscle and administrative competence as governors and national figures,” the official stated. “Jonathan is an elder statesman who served with dignity, but our primary selection goal is to field the strongest candidate who can unify the country and defeat the ruling party in 2027. This requires a democratic contest of ideas, not just relying on sentiment.”
The South-South and The PDP’s Delicate Balance
The PDP leadership’s clarification signals a strategic move to:
- Prevent Division: A premature consensus around one candidate, especially one with the national stature of Dr Jonathan, could alienate other ambitious southern leaders and potentially trigger a fresh wave of internal crises and defections.
- Encourage New Blood: Opening the door for other southern aspirants allows the party to test the popularity and preparedness of its younger, emergent leaders.
- National Strategy: The party needs a candidate who appeals across regional and religious divides. While Dr Jonathan commands respect, the PDP must ensure its option can tackle the complex national challenges that will dominate the 2027 campaign.
Political analysts monitoring the region suggest that while the PDP might be hedging its bets, the final decision will hinge on which aspirant can secure the best strategic advantage and fundraising capabilities. For now, the door remains open for all.
The Niger Delta Herald will continue to follow this developing story closely, especially the pronouncements and movements of key political figures from the region as the 2027 timeline draws nearer.
