2027: PDP Presidential Race Heats Up as Atiku’s Exit Clears Path

Zoning, consensus top NEC meeting agenda • Makinde, Bala tipped as frontrunners

The battle for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in 2027 is gathering momentum following the exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, creating an open field for new aspirants.

Sources within the party confirmed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed are among those eyeing the ticket, while other aspirants are expected to emerge as the opposition party seeks to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next general elections.

Party insiders revealed that zoning and consensus-building will dominate discussions during the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for July 24, alongside deliberations on the party’s national convention.

Chief Bode George, a PDP chieftain, confirmed efforts to push for a southern candidate, although opinions remain divided within the NEC on zoning.

Atiku’s decision to quit the PDP, after years of dominating the presidential race, has been described by insiders as a “game changer.” A senior party official said,

“His ambition has always created tension within the party. With his exit, others now have room to pursue their aspirations freely.”

The former vice president, who led the PDP ticket in 2019 and 2023, announced his resignation in an emotional letter, citing “irreconcilable differences” and accusing the party of straying from its founding principles.

Atiku wrote:

“I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.”

Shortly after his departure, Atiku teamed up with Peter Obi, ex-APC stalwarts Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, and others under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in what is seen as a major opposition coalition. Former Senate President David Mark now serves as interim national chairman of the ADC, with ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.

Despite the defection, PDP leaders insist the party remains the strongest opposition platform, boasting governors, senators, and lawmakers across the country.

“Forget the noise from ADC. PDP still has the structure and the reach,” a party source stated, adding that Makinde and Bala Mohammed currently enjoy strong backing among stakeholders.

Meanwhile, support groups have started mobilising for aspirants. A youth organisation, Bala Mohammed Vanguard, confirmed that the Bauchi governor would contest the 2027 presidency, citing his “track record as a minister and governor.”

PDP Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, was unavailable for comments as of press time, and calls to Governor Bala’s media aide also went unanswered.

The coming months are expected to reveal more aspirants as the PDP seeks to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 polls.