The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi among its possible southern candidates for the 2027 presidential election.

Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He described Jonathan as the “most celebrated politician today,” recalling how the former president endured political blackmail ahead of the 2015 election but was later cleared by the courts.

“But certainly, (former) President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking that if he joins us and opens his mind to run. And even other people like (former) Governor Obi, because if he decides to come to a better platform where there are no encumbrances, he will be given the opportunity too,” Mohammed said.

The former FCT minister added that Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party (LP), would be welcomed if he chose to return to the PDP.

Asked if the PDP was actively wooing Obi, Mohammed replied:

“Have you not seen him with me? He’s my brother, my friend. And of course, he’s one of the most celebrated politicians, too. Whether in a coalition or outside a coalition, definitely we are not sleeping, only that we don’t make noise.”

He further stated that other prominent southern figures including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde were free to seek the ticket, while also confirming discussions with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

“There are so many politicians. I even had a session with Governor Amaechi. I have not been sleeping. I have to make sure I create a closing-of-rank drive, you know, for people to come and help,” he said.

On Amaechi’s possible return to the PDP, Mohammed responded: “Well, he’s free to if he wants to come back.”