Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is strongly considering former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as potential candidates for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. The governor made this disclosure on Thursday during an exclusive interview on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television. As the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Mohammed emphasized that the opposition party is willing to welcome influential and widely respected politicians who can significantly contribute to its presidential ambitions. When asked if the party had reached out to Peter Obi, the Bauchi governor responded: “Of course, he is one of the most celebrated politicians in Nigeria today. And you can already see him engaging within the coalition. Definitely, we are not asleep. We just don’t make unnecessary noise. There are many strong political figures we are engaging with. In fact, I recently had discussions with former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi. I have been working tirelessly to ensure that notable leaders join our fold.” Governor Mohammed further explained that some decisions, such as Obi’s possible return or alignment with the PDP, rest solely with the politician himself. He noted: “I have personally discussed with Peter Obi, and I made it clear that the PDP remains open to all celebrated political figures who are capable of strengthening our drive and vision for the presidency in 2027.” The statement by Bala Mohammed has sparked fresh conversations within Nigeria’s political space, with analysts pointing out that the potential candidacy of either Goodluck Jonathan or Peter Obi could reshape the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race.
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has strongly cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against bowing to increasing pressure to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election. In a public statement delivered in Abuja by its chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the Forum emphasized that President Tinubu would stand the risk of losing nearly 80 percent of northern Muslim votes if he yields to demands to abandon the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which secured him victory in the 2023 elections. Growing Pressure on Tinubu to Drop Shettima As the 2027 elections draw closer, President Tinubu is facing mounting pressure from several groups and political stakeholders calling on him to consider a change in his running mate. Many of these voices argue that the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which worked in 2023, may no longer resonate with Nigerians in 2027. On Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum, led by Dominic Alancha, openly warned against repeating the same ticket. Alancha highlighted that the APC lost states like Nasarawa, Plateau, and even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2023 due to dissatisfaction with the Muslim-Muslim strategy. He cautioned that repeating this approach could further erode APC’s popularity, especially in the Middle Belt region. North-Central APC Forum’s Rebuttal However, countering Alancha’s position, the North-Central APC Forum firmly maintained that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was never about religious marginalization but rather an electoral strategy. The Forum stressed that Christians in the Middle Belt remain significantly represented in Tinubu’s government with notable figures like: According to the Forum, these appointments demonstrate balance and inclusivity, proving that Christians are not sidelined. The Forum further expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure over 90 percent of votes in the North-Central region, pointing out that his performance and achievements in office will speak louder than religious narratives. Forum Urges Tinubu to Maintain “Winning Team” The statement emphasized that dropping Shettima would amount to a “needless risk” and could jeopardize APC’s chances of victory in 2027. “Those who opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 largely supported Peter Obi of the Labour Party. If Obi runs again in 2027, what guarantee exists that they will suddenly abandon him and vote for Tinubu even if Shettima is replaced with a Christian candidate?” the Forum queried. The Forum accused those pushing against Shettima of mischief-making, arguing that their real aim is to weaken Tinubu’s re-election chances. Allegations of Division Within Tinubu’s Support Base Additionally, the Forum alleged that certain individuals claiming to support Tinubu’s re-election are alienating northern Muslim communities while focusing attention on Christians in the region. They warned that this discriminatory strategy could backfire: then President Tinubu risks losing both blocs of votes in 2027. The Forum urged the President to see through what they called a “calculated attempt at sabotage.” Final Warning from the Forum In its closing remarks, the Forum strongly advised Tinubu to “stick with what worked in 2023”. “Changing Vice President Kashim Shettima will bring no electoral benefits. On the contrary, it could cost President Tinubu 80 percent of northern Muslim votes. Even if he replaces Shettima with another northern Muslim, the perception of betrayal will remain, leading to massive voter loss. The only wise path is to maintain the winning formula that secured victory in 2023,” the Forum concluded.
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The unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the new coalition party ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria has triggered mixed reactions across the nation. The coalition, which unites a range of prominent political figures, has ignited nationwide discussions and varying opinions about its potential to redefine the country’s political framework. This political maneuver emerges amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s democratic practices, spanning concerns over electoral transparency, inclusive governance, and institutional accountability. Citizens and analysts alike are watching closely to see how this coalition might impact the existing political power dynamics. According to LMSINT MEDIA, the ADC was officially adopted by the opposition as the platform for their united challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections. As part of its structural buildup, former Senate President David Mark was installed as the interim national chairman, while former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola was appointed national secretary. However, shortly after the coalition was announced in Abuja, internal dissent surfaced. A prominent faction within the ADC rejected the decision to use the party as a coalition vehicle. The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Musa Isa Matara, issued a statement condemning the move as a hijacking attempt by political elites. He insisted that the decision lacked consultation with crucial stakeholders, branding it an undemocratic approach. In response to the unfolding situation, Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, dismissed the coalition’s viability. He remarked that internal power struggles and conflicting ambitions within the group would inevitably derail their efforts, predicting that “everyone in that coalition wants to be president.” Many Nigerians, however, have voiced their perspectives on the new political formation. Hassan Alowonle, an entrepreneur, noted that such mergers are a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political landscape. He likened the ADC merger to the formation of the APC in 2013, which combined several opposition parties to defeat the PDP in 2015. Alowonle emphasized that forming coalitions has become a cultural strategy to challenge entrenched political powers. Similarly, Rufai Omeiza, an electrician, expressed optimism that the ADC coalition could unseat President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027—provided that members prioritize collective interests over personal ambitions. He warned that the coalition must avoid internal discord and work cohesively, much like the APC did when it rose to power. However, he cautioned that the APC would not easily concede power, emphasizing the ruling party’s readiness to defend its position using all available political means. Mcfredericks Akor Edache, a Benue state officer for Tracka, a civic organization promoting accountability in public spending, described the 2027 elections as potentially transformative. He observed that if the ruling party retains power despite the coalition’s momentum, it would cement their political dominance. Conversely, a coalition victory could inspire future alliances. Edache stressed that coalitions in society are designed to consolidate strength and purpose. He advocated for the opposition to stay focused on the electorate’s desires, particularly by rallying around a consensus candidate. Edache further urged the ruling party to prioritize public needs, such as tackling insecurity, enhancing road safety, and providing meaningful employment for the youth. Failure to do so, he warned, might push voters to seek alternative leadership in 2027. Augustine Oyiwona, a business administrator, praised the coalition’s emergence as a beacon of hope for Nigeria. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the inherent challenges new political entities face, such as limited visibility and public recognition compared to established parties like the APC and PDP. He advised the coalition to prevent factional splits to maintain momentum. Oyiwona suggested that adopting a widely accepted candidate, like Peter Obi, could significantly boost the coalition’s chances of success. He argued that Peter Obi’s popularity, especially among the youth, makes him a strategic choice for the opposition. Echoing this sentiment, Joseph Adah asserted that forming political coalitions is neither new nor inappropriate in Nigeria’s political context. He urged the coalition to produce a consensus candidate, suggesting that Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, is the ideal figure due to his broad appeal and regional political balance. Adah emphasized that Obi’s candidacy aligns with Nigeria’s informal power rotation, which favors a southern presidency for eight years before shifting to the north. With Tinubu’s tenure approaching its midpoint, Adah argued that supporting a southerner like Obi would be politically and regionally logical. Similarly, Joe Akogwu, another concerned citizen, welcomed the coalition’s formation but remained skeptical about its capacity to unseat the APC in 2027. He pointed to internal political maneuverings, particularly discontent among northern elders and potential changes to Tinubu’s vice presidency, as factors that could influence the election outcome. Despite his reservations, Akogwu admitted that in politics, “anything can happen.”
