A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to hold high-level consultations with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as part of efforts to build a strong opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP South-South Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ogidi, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television, saying the talks were aimed at restoring the party’s national relevance and presenting a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ogidi said the PDP leadership had already begun consultations with key national figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, and would also reach out to Atiku and Obi, whom he described as important political stakeholders.
However, the planned move drew sharp reactions from the Obidient Movement and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), both of which questioned the PDP’s ability to attract the two leaders, who have since joined the ADC.
The Obidient Movement dismissed the outreach, arguing that the PDP’s internal crisis makes it an unattractive platform for Obi. Its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said it was illogical to invite Obi back to a party struggling with unresolved leadership and factional disputes.
Similarly, the ADC expressed skepticism over the PDP’s intention, with its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, questioning where the PDP intended to woo Atiku and Obi to, given the party’s leadership crisis. He said the ADC remained open to working with any individual or group committed to rescuing Nigeria from APC rule.
Atiku Abubakar’s camp also reacted, insisting that the ADC, of which the former vice president is now a member, remains the most viable platform for opposition alignment. His media adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, said the ADC was already engaged in discussions with other opposition forces ahead of 2027 and was open to collaboration.
Meanwhile, consultations within opposition circles are said to be ongoing, with sources indicating that discussions are underway to shape possible alliances and strategies for the next general elections.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has been embroiled in internal crisis since the 2023 elections, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership, further complicating its efforts to reposition ahead of 2027.
