With former Vice President Atiku Abubakar officially leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the race for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket has entered a new phase — clearing the path for new contenders like Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to emerge as frontrunners.
Insiders within the PDP revealed to The PUNCH that Makinde and Bala Mohammed’s presidential ambitions are already well known among party stakeholders, and their influence could reshape the internal dynamics heading into 2027. While the PDP remains open to all eligible aspirants under its constitution, discussions about zoning and the national convention will be high on the agenda at its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, slated for July 24.
Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential flagbearer in 2019 and 2023, announced his departure from the party, citing irreconcilable differences and a deviation from the party’s founding principles. In his resignation letter, he said, “It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”
His exit has triggered major realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape. Alongside Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and others, Atiku has joined forces under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioning it as a new opposition coalition. Former Senate President David Mark has been appointed as interim National Chairman, while ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola takes the role of interim National Secretary.
PDP leaders see Atiku’s exit as both a challenge and an opportunity. Some believe it lifts the weight of internal conflict that his repeated ambitions have brought to the party. One insider stated, “Now that Atiku is out, the PDP can breathe. His ambition always created tension. It’s time for fresh, capable leaders to emerge.”
Among those gaining momentum are Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed, both considered popular among party stakeholders. Youth groups and political allies — particularly the Bala Mohammed Vanguard — have already begun mobilizing support, touting his record as FCT Minister and current Bauchi State Governor.
However, the path forward is not entirely clear-cut. There’s ongoing debate within the party about zoning the 2027 ticket. While figures like PDP chieftain Chief Bode George and Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor are calling for a southern candidate, others argue the ticket should be open to all, prioritizing competence over geography.
“We shouldn’t narrow the presidential race to just Atiku, Obi, or Tinubu,” Osadolor said. “There are many credible Nigerians within the PDP who can lead this country.”
Speculation is also swirling around whether former President Goodluck Jonathan might re-enter the fray, though no official statement has been made.
Former PDP National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, compared Atiku’s departure to a setback — but not the end. “Just as Hiroshima and Nagasaki didn’t end Japan, Atiku leaving won’t end the PDP,” he said. “We will learn from our mistakes and move forward.”
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the PDP’s chances in 2027. APC Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim said President Bola Tinubu remains unbeatable, regardless of who emerges from the opposition. “Makinde and Bala Mohammed are regional figures. They don’t have national appeal,” he said.
As the PDP prepares for its critical NEC meeting, one thing is certain — the battle for 2027 is wide open, and the race to rebrand Nigeria’s major opposition party has just begun.
