2027 Showdown: Makinde, Bala Mohammed Lock Horns For PDP Presidential Ticket After Atiku’s Exit

The race for the 2027 presidency is gaining momentum within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. With Atiku out of the picture, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed have emerged as leading contenders for the party’s presidential ticket, intensifying internal competition to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

According to insider sources who spoke with Punch under anonymity, both governors have long held presidential ambitions known within PDP ranks. Their emergence comes as the party grapples with its next move in the wake of Atiku’s dramatic departure.

A top PDP official told Punch, “The party remains open to all credible aspirants. The constitution provides a clear process for anyone aiming to secure the presidential ticket.”

With the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 24, key topics such as zoning arrangements and the national convention will dominate the agenda. However, opinions within the NEC remain divided—some pushing for regional rotation of the ticket, while others advocate an open contest.

Atiku Abubakar, who represented the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, resigned from the party on July 1, citing “irreconcilable differences” and lamenting that the PDP had strayed from its founding ideals.

In his resignation letter, Atiku stated, “This decision is deeply painful. As a founding member of the PDP, and having served as Vice President and twice as its presidential flagbearer, it is heartbreaking to part ways.”

His exit has reportedly disrupted internal party dynamics, creating space for other long-silenced aspirants to finally assert themselves.

In a bold move shortly after leaving the PDP, Atiku joined forces with key opposition figures, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-APC presidential hopeful Rotimi Amaechi, and others to launch a new coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Former Senate President David Mark was named interim National Chairman of the alliance, while ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was appointed interim National Secretary—signaling the rise of a powerful political front aiming to challenge the APC’s dominance in the 2027 general elections.