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As the race for the 2027 presidential ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) intensifies, the departure of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has opened doors for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and other aspirants looking to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
Reliable insiders from the PDP, who requested anonymity, indicated that the presidential ambitions of Makinde and Bala are widely recognized among key party figures.
An additional party source noted that the PDP welcomes any aspiring candidate interested in contesting for the presidential ticket, in accordance with the party's constitution.
PDP chieftain Chief Bode George confirmed in an interview with that efforts are being made to secure a southern presidential candidate, although opinions within the National Executive Committee vary on the zoning issue.
As the PDP prepares for its 101st NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 24, critical topics such as zoning and the national convention are expected to be prioritized for discussion and resolution.
In an interview, Director of Publicity for the All Progressives Congress, Bala Ibrahim, stated that regardless of the PDP’s zoning choice or candidate, the party is destined for defeat in the 2027 elections.
Recently, during its 100th NEC meeting on June 30, the PDP addressed the long-standing dispute regarding the National Secretary position by confirming Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the secretary.
Nevertheless, Atiku Abubakar and some of his followers left the party, citing unresolved internal issues.
Atiku, who continues to criticize the ruling APC for its governance record, has joined forces with figures like former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and others under the African Democratic Congress, forming a coalition to oppose the APC in the upcoming elections.
They have appointed former Senate President David Mark as interim National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Secretary in this alliance.
Atiku explained his resignation from the PDP, expressing that the party’s current direction diverges from its founding values, prompting his decision to leave.
In his resignation letter, he stated, “I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect... It is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision.
However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken.” A party insider shared that Atiku's aspirations for the 2027 presidency have created instability in the party, yet his exit may bring much-needed calm.
The source remarked that Atiku's ambition has always posed a threat, complicating the ambitions of others and the party's peace.
Several leaders within the PDP, including Makinde and Bala Mohammed, are reportedly interested in pursuing the party's ticket for the 2027 election, with the sentiment that more contenders will emerge.
The party maintains its openness to all aspirants. Insiders have noted that Atiku’s ambitions have long caused turmoil within the PDP, and his departure may pave the way for new and capable leaders to emerge.
Another source mentioned the ongoing support and mobilization from a youth group for Bala Mohammed's presidential aspiration, emphasizing his credentials as a public servant.
Discussions regarding the potential candidates reflect a broader desire to avoid narrowing the electoral field to a few notable names.
While there are calls for the PDP’s presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, leaders like Olafeso and Tsauri have expressed confidence in the party's strength moving forward and emphasized learning from past mistakes.
A credible high-ranking PDP member revealed plans for the upcoming NEC meeting to review the feasibility of holding the national convention as scheduled.
The APC, through its Director of Publicity, asserted that no candidate from the PDP, including Makinde or Bala Mohammed, can compete effectively against their chosen candidate.
