Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Festus Keyamo has cautioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against presenting former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi as its candidate in the 2027 presidential election, warning of legal and political risks that could jeopardize the party’s chances.
Keyamo shared his analysis in a social media post shortly after the PDP announced that its 2027 presidential ticket would be zoned to the South. He described the party’s dilemma as “not an enviable one at all,” noting that the PDP lost ground in its traditional strongholds of the South-South and South-East during the 2023 general elections due to poor zoning decisions.
Keyamo Raises Legal Concerns Over Jonathan’s Eligibility
According to Keyamo, presenting Goodluck Jonathan as the PDP candidate could plunge the party into a constitutional crisis. He explained:
“One of its attractive targets as a Presidential candidate is ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, because of his purported eligibility to run for only one term. But, if he is fielded, the Party runs the RISK of NOT HAVING A CANDIDATE AT ALL by virtue of section 137 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (Fourth Amendment).”
The SAN noted that the amendment was passed after the 2015 court ruling that cleared Jonathan to contest, stressing that the matter remains unresolved and would likely require the Supreme Court’s interpretation.
Challenges for Peter Obi and the South-West Option
Keyamo also expressed doubts about the viability of a South-West candidate, particularly Peter Obi, who ran under the Labour Party in 2023. He argued that voting patterns in the region would limit the PDP’s chances:
“No other region of the country will vote for a fresh Yoruba candidate who would be eligible for fresh two terms in office. And that candidate will battle with the well-oiled APC structures in the S/West. You need a majority of at least 3 to 4 regions in Nigeria to win the Presidency.”
On Obi, Keyamo suggested that a return to the PDP might harm his credibility among supporters:
“The principled ones amongst the ‘obidients’ will see him as going back to his vomit of ‘structure of criminality’ and may not be too vociferous in their support anymore.”
PDP’s “Original Sin” and 2031 Projection
The former minister linked the PDP’s current predicament to what he called an “original sin” in 2023, when the party failed to zone its ticket to the South. He concluded that unless extraordinary circumstances change the dynamics, the opposition party may not regain strategic advantage until 2031.
“The young social media warriors may lampoon anyone talking about these zoning sentiments, but that is the REALITY of our politics and it is not about to end,” he said.
Keyamo’s warning underscores the growing debate within the PDP over how best to position itself for the 2027 presidential race amid shifting alliances and unresolved constitutional questions.
