2027: Peter Obi Under PDP Will Defeat Any Northern Candidate — Jerry Gana Declares

Former Minister of Information and respected political elder, Professor Jerry Gana, has stated that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, would decisively win the 2027 presidential election if he contests under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), even against any top-tier Northern candidate.

Gana made this declaration while speaking at a high-level meeting with PDP stakeholders in Abuja on Tuesday. He emphasized the need for strategic alignment within the opposition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) effectively in the next general election.

A Southern Candidate with National Appeal

Gana, a founding member of the PDP and former presidential aspirant, said Peter Obi’s growing political influence, especially among youths and the middle class, cannot be ignored.

“If Peter Obi returns to the PDP and emerges as our candidate, he will defeat any candidate from the North, no matter how strong. He now enjoys national appeal,” Gana asserted.

The former minister insisted that the PDP must field a candidate who resonates with Nigerians across regions, religions, and ethnic lines. According to him, Obi, having contested in 2023 under the Labour Party (LP) and gained significant momentum, remains the only southern politician currently with that reach.

Need for Unity Among the Opposition

Gana also urged for consolidation among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the mistake of a divided front, which led to the APC retaining power in 2023, must not repeat itself.

According to Vanguard Newspaper, Gana called for a merger or alliance between the Labour Party and the PDP, stressing that a united platform would stand a better chance at the polls.

“The opposition must come together to rescue Nigeria. The youth are watching. We cannot afford another disjointed movement in 2027,” he warned.

2023 Lessons and the Road Ahead

Peter Obi, who defected from the PDP to contest under the Labour Party in 2023, came third behind Atiku Abubakar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His campaign attracted massive support, especially in urban centres and among first-time voters.

According to Daily Post Nigeria, some PDP leaders have begun informal talks about persuading Obi to return to the party for a stronger shot at the presidency.

A political analyst, Dr. Remi Adebayo, told Channels TV that “Obi’s return to PDP, with backing from the South-East and some Middle Belt states, could significantly shift the balance in 2027.”

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PDP’s Internal Strategy and Northern Power Block

Despite Gana’s optimism, many within the PDP believe the North still holds a decisive electoral edge. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who contested in both 2019 and 2023, remains a key figure in the party and has not ruled out another bid.

However, Jerry Gana cautioned against relying solely on historical voting patterns. “Nigeria has changed. The youth are awakened, and sentiment is shifting. PDP must read the room,” he said.

In closing, Gana appealed to PDP leaders to think beyond regional sentiments and focus on national rescue.

“Nigeria is in dire need of leadership that unites, not divides,” he stated. “We must prioritize competence and credibility over zoning and old calculations.”

With 2027 still two years away, the political landscape remains fluid. But one thing is clear: the push for unity within the opposition is gaining momentum and Peter Obi’s name is once again dominating conversations.

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