Abuja, Nigeria — Professor Jerry Gana, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, would overwhelmingly defeat any presidential contender in Nigeria’s northern region if he were to return to the PDP.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise News Prime Time on Wednesday, the elder statesman cited opinion research to back his claim, asserting that northern voters remain “fair-minded” and would embrace Obi under the PDP banner.
“I’m a researcher, and I research opinions. In the northern states, Peter Obi under the PDP will defeat any candidate,” Gana said.
Obi, who left the PDP in May 2022 to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, finished third behind Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar.
Reflecting on the party’s roots, Gana emphasized the PDP’s foundational role in Nigeria’s democratic transition, recalling its dominant victories in the 1999 general elections, including wins in the presidency, National Assembly, and most local governments.
“Many have forgotten that the PDP was built as a grassroots party. In 1998, we were in every polling unit. We restored democracy to Nigeria and re-established civil rule,” he stated.
On the internal challenges currently facing the PDP, Gana downplayed the significance of recent crises, describing them as “elite disagreements limited to Abuja”, and not representative of the broader party structure nationwide.
He also addressed the issue of zoning and political fairness, saying,
“In 2031, it will be the turn of the North. Our people are very fair, and we are building a nation.”
Professor Gana, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Cooperation under President Olusegun Obasanjo, remains an influential voice in PDP circles and a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic history.
By Adeola Olaniya | July 31, 2025
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