Abuja, FCT – August 9, 2025 — Former President Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly proposed appointing Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, as Coordinating Minister of the Economy if he agrees to withdraw from the 2027 presidential election.
The allegation was made by Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
Kachikwu claimed that powerful northern political interests are behind the move, alleging that Jonathan’s entry into the 2027 race is part of a strategy to weaken the South’s political chances. According to him, Obi has been told that he cannot win northern votes because of his Igbo background.
“In order to weaken the South, they have now drafted in former President Jonathan into the race, who is alleged to be offering Peter Obi the position of Coordinating Minister of the Economy for him to support his ambition,” Kachikwu said.
The ADC chieftain also accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a group of northern elites of deliberately fueling regional and ethnic divisions. He alleged that these politicians tell poor northerners that southern presidents are responsible for their poverty, using what he described as “the weapons of region, religion, tongue, tribe, and poverty” to sway political opinion.
Kachikwu further claimed that the same group spreading anti-southern sentiments is also pushing Obi to abandon his presidential ambition and accept the role of Atiku’s running mate.
PDP Conditions for Jonathan’s 2027 Bid
The allegations come amid renewed speculation about Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race. Reports suggest that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is considering granting him an automatic ticket if certain conditions are met.
Daniel Woyengikuro, PDP National Financial Secretary, recently confirmed that Jonathan’s eligibility to serve only one term makes him a strong contender. His potential candidacy has sparked political debate across the country, with some viewing it as a strategic move to balance regional interests ahead of the 2027 polls.
The alleged offer to Obi, if true, would mark a significant twist in Nigeria’s political landscape, signaling high-level negotiations and realignments as the race for 2027 gathers momentum.