2027 Presidency: Jonathan Better Choice for North Than Obi - PDP's Sani

A prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Umar Sani, has declared that Northern Nigeria would prefer former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party's presidential candidate in 2027 rather than Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential flagbearer.

Sani made this assertion on Saturday during an appearance on Trust TV's Daily Politics program, addressing growing speculation that the PDP is courting Obi while also considering Jonathan's potential return to the presidential race.

According to the PDP chieftain, despite acknowledging Obi's reputation for integrity, the constitutional term limit that would restrict Jonathan to a single four-year term makes him a more strategic choice for northern interests.

"Between somebody making a promise and somebody who is compelled by the law that he must leave, which one will you take?" Sani questioned during the interview. "He (Jonathan) has to go after four years. This one is making a promise. A promise can be kept and may not be kept either way. But on this one, you are sure that it must be kept. So for the North, I think Goodluck Jonathan is the best choice."

Sani, who previously served as media aide to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, appears to be highlighting the constitutional certainty that would come with Jonathan's candidacy, as the former president would be legally prohibited from seeking another term after 2031, having already served as president from 2010 to 2015.

This statement comes amid reports that the PDP is making efforts to woo Peter Obi back to its fold ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party elder Jerry Gana recently confirming such intentions.

The development adds another layer to Nigeria's evolving political landscape as parties begin positioning for the next electoral cycle, with power rotation between the North and South remaining a contentious issue in the country's political calculations.

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