…says, “PDP is the real face of democracy in Nigeria.”
LAGOS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ogidi, has announced that the party will hold high-level meetings with its former presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as part of its strategy to present a strong challenge to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who was PDP’s presidential candidate in both 2019 and 2023, ran in 2019 with Obi as his running mate and previously served as vice president on the PDP platform between 1999 and 2007. Both Atiku and Obi have since joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on a Channels Television programme yesterday, Ogidi emphasized that the consultations are crucial for restoring PDP’s national influence.
The announcement drew immediate responses from the Obidient Movement and the ADC, both questioning the feasibility of PDP’s attempt to woo Atiku and Obi back. The Obidient Movement argued that PDP’s ongoing internal crisis makes it unlikely for Obi to return, while the ADC highlighted that both leaders had recently left the party, with Atiku affirming that the ADC represents the future and remains open to collaborations with other parties to “save Nigeria.”
Ogidi stated: “We’re making the rounds. We have already met with former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida. The goal is to reach out to those who are influential in Nigeria and show that PDP is alive and moving. Regarding Peter Obi, yes, we plan to meet him, and we will also meet with Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president. PDP is the real face of democracy in Nigeria.”
On Tuesday, members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) met with former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Maitama office in Abuja. The delegation, led by National Chairman Tanimu Turaki and other party leaders, received assurances from Jonathan that he remains an active member of PDP and is committed to supporting the party.
Turaki told journalists: “Jonathan has pledged his continued support for PDP. His remarks are very encouraging as we prepare for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun, as well as the 2027 general elections.”
Sources told Vanguard that ongoing consultations aim to explore various scenarios for the 2027 polls. “Consultations are underway. Details will emerge soon, and I can assure you that these efforts will yield concrete results,” one source said.
However, the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stressed that the ADC is already engaging in talks with other opposition parties and individuals ahead of 2027. Mazi Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku, told iNews Times: “The ADC’s doors are wide open. The party is willing to collaborate with anyone focused on rescuing Nigeria from the current challenges under APC and Tinubu’s administration.”
Ibe reiterated that ADC remains the most viable platform for opposition alignment. “Atiku, as a member of ADC, is already involved in discussions aimed at bringing together opposition forces who believe Nigerians deserve better. ADC is the way forward,” he added.
Similarly, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned PDP’s efforts, saying: “Wooing which Atiku? Which Obi? Obi joined ADC only recently. PDP has internal factions and leadership crises, how can they even sign nomination forms for candidates? Who will take that risk?”
When asked whether ADC would form a coalition with PDP to challenge APC in 2027, Abdullahi said: “Democracy is a numbers game. We welcome anyone willing to work with us to rescue Nigeria from APC.”
PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has been embroiled in internal disputes following its defeat in the 2023 elections. Currently, two factions claim leadership of the party nationally, after the convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, which also saw the expulsion of major figures such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.
Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement, which supports Peter Obi, dismissed PDP’s overtures, insisting that the party’s unresolved crises undermine any attempt to lure Obi back ahead of 2027.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, told iNews Times: “The PDP is facing serious issues now. Extending an invitation to Obi to return to a party with internal disputes raises fundamental questions about coherence and direction. If there are problems within the party, where exactly is he going back to?”
