Peter Obi’s alleged move to return to PDP has unsettled ADC Coalition Leaders.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that speculation is swirling around former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s possible return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stirring unease among leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition.
The rumors intensified on Monday when former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff claimed on Channels TV that credible intelligence indicated Obi is considering contesting the PDP’s presidential ticket in 2027. “Peter Obi wants to be President. Atiku has been Vice President, and for him, it’s President or nothing,” Sheriff stated.
Adding weight to the claims, PDP elder statesman Prof. Jerry Gana confirmed the party is engaging with Obi and others who left the PDP, although formal negotiations have yet to start. Gana described Obi as “a very valuable asset” and said efforts are underway to facilitate his return. The PDP’s recent decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South is widely viewed as an open invitation to southern politicians like Obi.
However, the ADC has pushed back strongly. Its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned Obi against returning to the PDP, stressing that Obi is a key member of the ADC coalition and cannot afford to take such a risk. He noted that Obi’s involvement has already pressured the PDP to make political moves.
Obi’s media office quickly disavowed reports linking him back to the PDP, emphasizing that he remains committed to the ongoing coalition. A statement from the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) urged the public to disregard any unauthorized statements attributed to Obi.
Despite the denial, uncertainty persists. Political analyst Nduka Odo told DAILY POST that Obi’s unpredictable stance is unsettling both the ADC coalition and the ruling APC. Odo advised Obi against rejoining the PDP, describing the party as weakened and controlled by factions loyal to figures like Nyesom Wike.
Obi has declared his intention to run for president in 2027 but has yet to confirm which party platform he will represent. As political stakeholders continue to vie for his allegiance, Obi’s next move remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political developments ahead of the elections.