Peter Obi Would Win Northern Nigeria on PDP Platform, Says Prof. Jerry Gana
In a bold political assertion that has stirred renewed conversations within Nigeria’s political landscape, Professor Jerry Gana, a respected elder statesman and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has declared that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, would defeat any opponent in Nigeria’s northern states if he contested under the PDP platform.
Prof. Gana made this remark during a live appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. The statement, though brief, carries significant weight, coming from a seasoned politician, policy scholar, and one of the original architects of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. According to him, his conclusion is not merely speculative but grounded in thorough political research and a clear understanding of northern Nigeria’s socio-political temperament.
“I’m a researcher,” Prof. Gana emphasized during the interview. “I study public opinions and monitor national sentiment. In the northern states, Peter Obi, under the PDP, will defeat any other candidate—because our people are very fair‑minded.”
Peter Obi’s Political Shift and Its Ripple Effects
Peter Obi’s departure from the PDP in May 2022 to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party (LP) was one of the most pivotal moments of that election cycle. His candidacy under the LP attracted a wave of support from Nigeria’s youth population, professionals, and middle class, who rallied under what was popularly dubbed the “Obidient Movement.”
Although he did not win the presidential seat, Obi’s performance was unprecedented for a candidate representing a party with limited national structure. He carried several states, including Lagos, the commercial capital, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja—demonstrating his wide appeal across tribal, religious, and generational lines.
Prof. Gana’s latest assertion suggests that Obi’s popularity in the North, often viewed as a bastion of more traditional political alignments, is more substantial than previously acknowledged. According to Gana, this strength would be amplified if Obi had remained within the PDP, a party with deep-rooted structures and historical voter loyalty across the North and other regions.
Revisiting the PDP’s Grassroots Legacy
Reflecting on the foundation and early victories of the PDP, Gana took the opportunity to remind Nigerians of the party’s origins and what it once represented in the national political space. As one of its founding architects in 1998, Prof. Gana was instrumental in shaping the identity of the PDP as a truly national and grassroots-driven party.
“I must confess,” he said, “that many people have forgotten that the PDP was created as a grassroots organisation. In 1998, we came together with a clear purpose, and by 1999, we were present in every polling unit across Nigeria.”
He continued, “We were the ones who truly won the first election. The PDP captured most of the local government areas, secured the presidency, and gained control of the National Assembly—we won both the Senate and the House of Representatives. We didn’t just win an election; we laid the foundation for the return of democracy in Nigeria.”
These comments serve as a stark reminder of the role the PDP played in Nigeria’s political history. The transition from military to civilian rule in 1999 was one of the most defining moments in the country’s democratic journey, and the PDP emerged as the vessel that carried Nigeria into its new democratic era.
The Power to the People Philosophy
According to Prof. Gana, one of the most endearing and distinguishing features of the PDP was its founding mantra: “Power to the People.” He explained that this was not merely a slogan but a genuine reflection of the party’s ideology at the time.
“That’s why when we said ‘power to the people’, we meant it,” he declared. “The PDP wasn’t built as a party of the elite. It was a movement of the masses. That’s what made it strong, and that is why it lasted in power for over 16 years.”
He noted that the party’s broad base and strong appeal across geopolitical zones made it the natural choice for many Nigerians during the early 2000s. It was this same grassroots support, he argued, that enabled the PDP to remain Nigeria’s dominant political force for more than a decade and a half.
Addressing Recent Party Divisions
Despite recent internal crises within the PDP, Prof. Gana believes the party remains fundamentally intact. He dismissed reports that party cohesion had disintegrated nationwide, stating that most of the conflicts were limited to the political elite in Abuja.
“So when this recent problem happened, it was really among a few elites here in Abuja. It didn’t even go beyond,” he said confidently.
Gana’s statement appears to reference the leadership struggles and disputes over zoning and candidacy that rocked the PDP ahead of the 2023 elections. The division led to the emergence of factions and the eventual defection of key figures, including Peter Obi.
However, his remark suggests that the grassroots support system of the party, especially in the North, remains largely unaffected by these elite-level squabbles.
Political Zoning and National Equity
In addressing the contentious issue of zoning within the PDP, Prof. Gana alluded to a rotational leadership philosophy that could shape future party dynamics. Specifically, he pointed to the 2031 election cycle as a time when power could reasonably return to the North.
“In 2031, it will be the turn of the North,” he stated. “Our people are very fair, and we are building a nation.”
This subtle but potent statement underscores a key conversation within Nigerian politics—the need for fairness, inclusiveness, and balance in leadership distribution. Prof. Gana’s remarks suggest that, despite internal party challenges, the PDP still maintains a long-term vision for national unity and equity.
A Veteran Statesman’s Legacy and Perspective
Prof. Jerry Gana is no stranger to the intricacies of Nigerian politics. He has served in various capacities over the decades, including as Minister of Information and National Orientation and as Minister of Cooperation and Integration in Africa under President Olusegun Obasanjo. His deep involvement in Nigeria’s democratic transition in the late 1990s positions him as a voice of both experience and insight.
As a statesman and academic, Gana has consistently advocated for participatory governance, social equity, and national integration. His recent statements suggest a continuing concern for the direction of Nigeria’s democracy and a hope that credible candidates like Peter Obi can still find viable platforms for transformational leadership.
Why Peter Obi Matters in the North
Many political analysts view the North as a complex electoral region influenced by a mix of religion, ethnicity, tradition, and socio-economic dynamics. Historically, it has played a crucial role in determining presidential outcomes, often favoring candidates with strong regional or religious affiliations.
However, Prof. Gana’s claim—that Peter Obi could win in the North under the PDP—challenges longstanding assumptions about northern voting behavior. It implies a growing political awareness and fairness among the northern electorate, and perhaps a shift toward meritocracy over identity politics.
This notion is supported by Obi’s 2023 election performance. Even though his party lacked significant structure in the North, he managed to secure a noticeable number of votes, particularly among young and urban voters.
Gana’s argument suggests that with the PDP’s established structures and networks in the North, Obi would not only overcome the traditional barriers but also thrive, should he ever run again under that banner.
What This Means for the PDP’s Future
Prof. Gana’s comments come at a time when the PDP is at a crossroads. Following its defeat in the 2023 presidential elections, the party has faced questions about its identity, internal unity, and national relevance. Several key figures have defected or distanced themselves, while others continue to call for reforms.
Gana’s message appears to be both a warning and a rallying cry: Don’t forget the roots of the party, and don’t underestimate the fairness of the Nigerian people—especially in the North.
If Peter Obi could galvanize national support under the Labour Party, what more could he achieve with the PDP’s machinery behind him? This rhetorical question now hangs in the air as political observers look toward 2027 and beyond.
A Call for Political Recalibration
More broadly, Prof. Gana’s remarks reflect the need for all political parties in Nigeria to recalibrate their approach to leadership, zoning, and citizen engagement. The traditional strategy of relying solely on ethnic alliances and regional dominance is giving way to more issues-based and personality-driven campaigns.
Obi’s rise, combined with the PDP’s legacy and Gana’s insights, shows that the Nigerian electorate is evolving. More voters are concerned with integrity, competence, and vision than with tribal loyalty or party dogma.
A Nation at the Crossroads
As Nigeria prepares for its next political season, statements like those made by Prof. Jerry Gana are more than mere punditry—they are reflective of a growing desire for unity, equity, and credible leadership.
By asserting that Peter Obi would beat any candidate in the North under the PDP, Gana is not just endorsing a politician; he is pointing to a potential realignment in Nigerian politics—one where platforms, credibility, and performance take precedence over geography and history.
The PDP, though currently facing internal discord, remains a formidable force with vast networks and national presence. Whether it can channel that influence into real reform, inclusivity, and electoral success remains to be seen. But with elder statesmen like Prof. Jerry Gana reminding the country of its democratic journey and calling for unity and fairness, the path forward may not be as uncertain as it seems.