THE faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to engage former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move has, however, drawn sharp criticism from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Obidient Movement, who describe it as unrealistic given the PDP’s internal crisis.
Speaking newsmen yesterday, PDP South-South Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi said the party had begun nationwide consultations with key political figures to rebuild its influence.
He disclosed that PDP leaders had recently met with former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Ibrahim Babangida, and would also reach out to Obi and Atiku.
“We are going round to meet important stakeholders in the country to let them know that PDP is alive and moving forward,” Ogidi said. “Yes, we have plans to see Peter Obi. Even Atiku Abubakar, as a former vice president, is someone we intend to meet. PDP remains the true face of democracy in Nigeria.”
However, Atiku’s camp has made it clear that the former vice president is no longer considering a return to the PDP. His media adviser, Paul Ibe, said Atiku is now fully committed to the ADC and focused on building a coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“The coalition party is open to working with like-minded partners who are serious about rescuing Nigeria from the failures of the Tinubu-led APC,” Ibe said, stressing that “ADC is the way forward.”
The ADC itself reacted dismissively to the PDP’s overtures. Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned the logic of inviting prominent politicians into a party plagued by leadership disputes and internal divisions.
“Wooing which Atiku? Which Obi?” Abdullahi asked. “Obi joined the ADC just days ago. Who would want to return to a party battling factions and leadership crises? Who would even sign the nomination forms?”
The Obidient Movement echoed similar sentiments. Its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, said Obi would not consider returning to a party still grappling with unresolved internal problems.
“They may be making overtures, but the real question is: return to where?” Tanko said. “A party with unresolved issues cannot be an option.”
While struggling to win back former allies, the PDP appears to have secured the continued support of former President Goodluck Jonathan. After a meeting led by National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, the party said Jonathan reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the PDP.
According to Turaki, Jonathan assured the leadership that he remains an active member of the party and is willing to support it as preparations intensify for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 general elections.
Despite deepening internal rifts and the recent exit of influential figures such as Nyesom Wike and Ayo Fayose, PDP leaders insist the ongoing consultations mark the beginning of a broader strategy to strengthen the party ahead of 2027.