Founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana, has stated that while Peter Obi is a strong candidate, the party has someone even better poised to lead Nigeria in 2027.
In an interview with Arise News, Gana maintained that Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, would perform strongly in the North if he returned to the PDP.
Gana, who has recently been vocal in calling for Obi’s return to the main opposition party, believes that Obi would stand a better chance of defeating the ruling party if he flew the PDP flag.
“As someone who researches public opinion, I can confidently say that Peter Obi, running under the PDP, would beat any candidate in the northern states. Our people are fair and just,” Gana said.
He further revealed that the PDP is currently engaging in internal consultations to select a formidable presidential candidate.“We are reaching out to Peter Obi. I’m leading a search team and we’re considering several brilliant individuals. Peter may be a strong option, but we believe we have someone even better. The goal is to find the best candidate,” he said.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Gana said the PDP made strategic errors. “If I were Atiku, I would have told Peter, ‘It’s your turn; I’ll support you and take the vice-presidential slot.’ But that didn’t happen,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Jacob Mark, a former PDP National Legal Adviser, echoed similar sentiments, saying Obi remains welcome to return to the party if he so chooses.
He asserted that the PDP remains Obi’s most viable platform to secure victory in the 2027 presidential race.
