2027: “North will prefer Jonathan, not Obi” – PDP Chieftain
Amid ongoing discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential race, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has weighed in, asserting that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be a better candidate for the North than Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics, Sani reacted to speculation that the PDP may be considering bringing back Jonathan or possibly working with Peter Obi ahead of the next general election.
Sani, who served as media aide to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, argued that Jonathan is the more strategic option for the North.
He said Jonathan’s return would balance the South-North power rotation, as he would only be legally allowed to serve one term.
“I will prefer that President Jonathan takes the ticket, not because I do not like Obi, but because that will ensure that the South will have completed their four years,” he said.
He maintained that while Obi has publicly pledged to serve just one term if elected, his promise is not binding.
On the other hand, Jonathan is constitutionally barred from spending more than four years, giving the North a clearer path to power in 2031.
“Between somebody making a promise and somebody who is compelled by the law that he must leave, which one will you take? This one is compelled by the law, he does not need to make any promise,” Sani said.
He added that for the North, supporting Jonathan would be the most politically logical move, as it guarantees a swift return of power to the region after a four-year term.
The argument aligns with the narrative that any southern candidate running in 2027 should be ready to serve for just one term, in order to match the North’s previous eight-year rule under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
While Peter Obi has announced his readiness to run in 2027 and has expressed willingness to serve a single term, Sani expressed doubt about the certainty of such a pledge, suggesting that political promises are not always fulfilled.
“For the North,” he concluded, “Goodluck Jonathan is the best choice
