Jonathan, Obi Endorse Shekarau for PDP Chairmanship as ADC Coalition Plunges into Crisis

The political temperature ahead of the 2027 general elections is rising as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have thrown their weight behind former Kano State governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, as the consensus national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The development has sent shockwaves through the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, which is now said to be in panic mode.

Sources confirmed that the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, unanimously endorsed Shekarau to lead the party, with the formal announcement expected during the PDP’s national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Adding fuel to the political fire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shortlisted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) for registration, raising speculation that it could serve as a fresh political platform for disaffected opposition elements.

Shekarau, PDP’s New Anchor

Shekarau, a former Education Minister and two-term governor of Kano State, is seen as a bridge-builder with the credibility to reunite the PDP and restore discipline within its ranks. Despite reports linking him to the ADC coalition, his associate, Yau Sule Yau, clarified that Shekarau never joined the alliance, insisting he remains a PDP stalwart.

“Shekarau has always emphasized collaboration for good governance, but he is not part of the ADC coalition. His commitment is firmly with the PDP,” Yau stressed.

According to a mutual ally, Jonathan and Obi recently met in Abuja where both men lauded Bala Mohammed’s efforts to stabilize the PDP and reposition it for 2027.

“The former president re-echoed his deep concerns about betrayals that have undermined the PDP in recent years. He expressed relief that someone with Shekarau’s integrity is being positioned to lead the party,” the source disclosed.

Obi, on his part, reportedly underscored the importance of political realignments in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, hinting that he is open to broader cooperation with credible leaders across party lines.

Meanwhile, the ADC coalition—already struggling to present a united front—is said to be rattled by Shekarau’s rising profile within the PDP and the possible registration of ADA, which some of its own promoters, including Shekarau and Umar Ardo of the League of Northern Democrats, had earlier canvassed as a more legitimate vehicle.

With Jonathan and Obi now backing Shekarau, analysts believe the political equation ahead of 2027 may change dramatically, with the PDP potentially reemerging as the main rallying point for the opposition.