The race for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2027 presidential ticket has officially begun following the exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
With Atiku out of the way, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed are now seen as leading contenders within the party.
Sources in the PDP told The PUNCH that Makinde and Bala have quietly built support among party leaders and may formally announce their ambitions soon.
“Before now, Atiku’s ambition was a threat to the ambition of others and peace in the party. Now that he has left, it clears the path for others,” a party insider said.
Atiku recently resigned from the PDP, saying the party no longer reflected the values it was founded on.
In his resignation letter, Atiku said, “It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”
Following his exit, Atiku joined other top politicians like Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai in forming a new opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). They appointed former Senate President David Mark as interim National Chairman and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Secretary.
However, many in the PDP say Atiku’s departure gives the party a fresh start.
“This is a thing of joy for some of us. Now the party can sit together and resolve its issues. We have competent leaders like Makinde and Bala who can declare their interest and lead the party,” another party source said.
A group called the Bala Mohammed Vanguard is already mobilising support for Governor Bala’s presidential ambition.
Its Director of Media, Mudaddasir Musa, said, “Bala Mohammed is the only individual we believe can save Nigeria from its present security and economic crisis.”
As the PDP prepares for its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 24, key topics like zoning and the party’s national convention are expected to dominate the agenda. The party remains divided over whether the 2027 presidential ticket should be zoned to the South or thrown open to all regions.
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PDP leader Chief Bode George said discussions are ongoing to choose a southern candidate.
“Arrangements are already going on, and there are respectable, responsible people with good character. But it’s too early to mention names,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor insisted that zoning to the South is the right move.
“Narrowing down the ticket to Atiku, Obi, or Tinubu is a disservice to over 240 million Nigerians,” he said.
He also hinted that the party is still waiting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to decide if he will run.
“We have people like Udom Emmanuel and Seyi Makinde. There are many others within the PDP who have good track records,” Osadolor said.
However, not everyone agrees. Some PDP leaders argue that zoning is not part of the constitution and that the ticket should be open to all.
“Let the most popular and competent person emerge. That’s how we can win in 2027,” one NEC source said.
Attempts to reach PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba and Governor Bala’s media aide were unsuccessful.
Despite internal disagreements, party members insist that the PDP remains strong.
“Forget the noise from ADC. PDP still has governors, senators, and structures across Nigeria. We remain the major opposition party,” a source said.