The battle over who picks the presidential ticket of Nigeria’s 'main opposition party', the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 election has officially begun after the party recently zoned the ticket to southern Nigeria.

Legit.ng reports that with the presidential ticket zoned to the south, the PDP’s vice-presidential slot will inevitably go north.

In this report, Legit.ng looks at 3 top politicians of northern extraction that the PDP may settle for as vice-presidential candidate.

Potential PDP vice presidential candidates

1) Bala Mohammed

Mohammed, governor of Bauchi state and chairperson of the PDP Governors’ Forum, stands out as the most obvious fit.

Mohammed gave up his presidential bid to allow the PDP zone the ticket to the south.

The loyalty of the 66-year-old to the party and credibility among governors make him a stabilising force.

2) Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo

Dankwambo, former Gombe governor and now senator, also fits this mould with his technocratic credentials and relatively clean reputation.

Dankwambo is a former accountant-general of the federation (AGF) after being entrusted to the role by then Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo.

3) Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim

While he may not be considered a political heavyweight, Kebbi-born Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is considered a key member of the PDP.

The presidential ambitions of the Kwara indigene have always been more intellectual than populist, and he has consistently deferred to party consensus.

Olawepo-Hashim offers ideological steadiness and loyalty at a time when major constitutional crises have tested the PDP.

Olawepo-Hashim could feature in creative permutations.

Though from the north-central and not the party’s traditional northern strongholds, his selection would highlight loyalty and stability, values the PDP may want to project.

Such a move would be unconventional, but not unlikely for a party long shaped by compromise choices.

PDP to inaugurate convention committee

Meanwhile, the PDP recently announced that it will formally inaugurate the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).

The party said the committee will oversee the party’s elective national convention where a new leadership is expected to emerge in preparation for the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued by Debo Ologunagba, the party’s national spokesperson, the PDP explained that the inauguration of the committee follows the approval of the national executive committee (NEC) and ratification by the national working committee (NWC).

According to the statement, the 110-member committee will be chaired by Adamawa state governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, while the Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, will serve as vice chairman and Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah, has been named secretary.

PDP considering Peter Obi

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Governor Mohammed said the PDP is considering former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, for its presidential ticket.

Mohammed disclosed this when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s 'Politics Today', monitored by Legit.ng.