As political discussions continue to swirl around zoning and power rotation ahead of the 2027 general elections, Umar Sani, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed his preference for former President Goodluck Jonathan over Peter Obi as the party’s presidential candidate.
Sani, who once served as media aide to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, made the statement during an appearance on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme on Saturday.
Addressing growing speculation that the PDP might be considering bringing back Jonathan or forming an alliance with Peter Obi, Sani argued that the North would find Jonathan a more suitable choice.
He explained that Jonathan’s return would allow the South to complete a constitutionally limited four-year term, which he believes aligns better with regional expectations than Obi’s voluntary pledge.
“I will prefer that President Jonathan takes the ticket, not because I do not like Obi, but because that will ensure that the South will have completed their four years,” he said.
According to Sani, Jonathan is limited by law to just one term, making his tenure predictable and finite.
On the other hand, Obi who ran under the Labour Party in 2023 and has declared his interest in the 2027 race has only promised to stay in office for one term, a pledge Sani views as uncertain.
“Between somebody making a promise and somebody who is compelled by the law that he must leave, which one will you take? This one is compelled by the law, he does not need to make any promise.”
“He has to go after four years. This one is making a promise. A promise can be kept and may not be kept either way. But on this one, you are sure that it must be kept. So for the North, I think Goodluck Jonathan is the best choice,” Sani added.
He acknowledged that Peter Obi enjoys widespread credibility and personal integrity, but stressed that when it comes to balancing national interests, especially with regard to the North’s political future, Jonathan represents the safer path.
Sani’s remarks align with a broader political narrative: that any Southern candidate in 2027 should be expected to serve only a four-year term in order to complete the region’s eight-year cycle, matching the tenure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.
Peter Obi, in his 2027 declaration, had stated his readiness to serve a single term if elected.
However, Sani believes that relying solely on verbal commitments leaves the North vulnerable and may delay its return to power.
