PDP: We have governors fit to fly presidential flag in 2027 — not wooing Jonathan or Peter Obi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has a pool of seasoned politicians, including performing governors, capable of leading the party’s presidential campaign in 2027.

Debo Ologunagba, PDP national publicity secretary, said this on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.

He dismissed reports that the party is courting former president Goodluck Jonathan or Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, for its ticket.

“You can then ask whoever tells you he is talking to Jonathan or Obi. The party has great prospect of presidential candidates,” Ologunagba said.

He described the PDP as a “beautiful bride” well positioned to rescue Nigeria from the “mismanagement” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The spokesperson said the party remains open to new members and returnees, but will not tolerate disloyalty.

“This is the right time to come back and we are willing to accept them. But what the party will not take is disloyalty. We’re going to enforce it. We’ll use our constitution,” he said.

Ologunagba added that preparations are ongoing for the party’s national convention, scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, with sub-committees working “round the clock” alongside the Oyo state local organising committee.

He said the National Executive Committee meeting on August 25 will receive reports from the convention planning and zoning committees.

On discipline, Ologunagba warned that members engaging in anti-party activities will face sanctions, including FCT minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose, and former Benue governor Samuel Ortom.

Last week, the PDP threatened to sanction members who endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, saying it violates its constitution and threatens party stability.

“Anybody that wishes to leave the party can leave. Political parties are voluntary organisations. There is easy entry and easy exit. What we will not take is disloyalty to this party,” he said.

Ologunagba also rejected any conditions over the constitution of the South-South zonal caretaker committee, saying the tenure of the previous committee expired in March and a caretaker led by Elder Emmanuel Ogidi has since been appointed.