By Rafiyat Sadiq
The former minister of information and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, says Peter Obi will defeat any northern candidate in the 2027 presidential election if he returns to the PDP.
Prof. Gana made this known during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Wednesday. His comment comes amid talks of Obi’s possible return to the PDP, even as the former Labour Party candidate has recently engaged with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi left the PDP in May 2022 to contest the 2023 election under the Labour Party.
“The PDP is well-rooted across Nigeria,” Gana said. “I am a researcher, and I study public opinion. In the northern states, Peter Obi under the PDP will defeat any candidate because our people are fair-minded and just.”
READ ALSO: Why Obi and El-Rufai Have Not Officially Joined ADC – ADC Spokesperson
He added that the party is making efforts to bring Obi back. “We are reaching out to Peter Obi. I’m part of the search team. Peter is good, but we are also looking for the best, and there are many brilliant options,” he said.
Prof. Gana also admitted the party did not manage Obi’s exit well ahead of the 2023 elections.
“We made a mistake in 2023. If I were Atiku, I would have said, ‘Peter, it’s your turn; take the lead; I’ll be your vice.’ But that didn’t happen,” he said.
On the recent internal crisis in the PDP, Gana said it only affects a few elites in Abuja and does not reflect the general mood across the country.
He reminded Nigerians that the PDP was founded as a grassroots party.
“In 1998, we formed the PDP, and by 1999 we were present in every polling unit. We won the presidency, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and most local governments. We restored democracy after years of military rule.
“That’s why our slogan was ‘Power to the People’, and we meant it. The recent crisis is limited to a few individuals. The PDP’s foundation remains strong across the country,” he said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
