2027 Tension: Jonathan Fears FG May Revive Patience Probe To Derail His Presidential Ambition

Sources reveal a brewing division within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as some members rally behind former President Goodluck Jonathan to clinch the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, while others push for former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to return to the party and contest.

According to insiders, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed is leading the campaign for Jonathan’s candidacy, with his camp and some northern stakeholders believing Jonathan’s single-term eligibility would see power rotate back to the north afterward. This aligns with the PDP’s recent decision to zone the presidency to the south.

However, party sources claim Jonathan is uneasy over fears that the Federal Government may revive an investigation into former First Lady Patience Jonathan — a probe that began under the late President Muhammadu Buhari — which could be used to politically weaken him during the campaign.

While Mohammed pushes for Jonathan, younger and influential PDP members are said to favour Obi’s return. Though his allies confirm the party has approached him, Obi has not given any public or private commitment. During a recent visit to Bauchi, Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum, urged him to rejoin, and Obi responded by stressing the need for opposition unity ahead of 2027.

Meanwhile, opposition insiders allege that pro-government forces are discouraging churches and government-owned schools from hosting opposition leaders like Obi. For instance, the University of Calabar reportedly turned down a planned visit from him after its Department of Dentistry sent a distress call over accreditation issues. When students learned of the cancellation, they arranged to meet him at the airport, where he donated ₦40 million to their cause.