2027 Presidency: Jonathan Preferred Over Peter Obi by the North — PDP Chieftain Umar Sani

A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has said that Northern Nigeria would favour former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027 over Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer.

Sani made the statement during an appearance on Trust TV’s Daily Politics on Saturday, amid reports that the PDP is exploring the possibility of Obi returning to the party and that Jonathan may be eyeing a political comeback.

While acknowledging Obi’s integrity, Sani argued that Jonathan presents a more strategic option for the North, as he is constitutionally limited to a single four-year term if elected again. He suggested this limitation makes Jonathan a safer political bet compared to Obi, whose promise to serve only one term isn’t legally binding.

“Between somebody making a promise and somebody who is compelled by law that he must leave, which one will you take?” Sani asked. “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 previously served as media aide to former Vice President Namadi Sambo.