The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has admitted that presenting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election was a mistake.
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, stated this on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He explained that fielding a northern candidate against the backdrop of political zoning considerations weakened the party’s chances and contributed to its defeat at the polls.
“It was an error for the PDP to field Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the 2023 presidential election,” Moro said.
Atiku eventually lost the contest to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Moro further revealed that ahead of the 2027 elections, discussions are ongoing within the party about a possible return of former members, including Peter Obi. According to him, overtures have already been made to Obi, who left the PDP for the Labour Party before the 2023 race.
“In the run-up to 2027, I am aware certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi, encouraging him to come back home. The assurance is that if he returns, he stands a chance of being the candidate,” Moro disclosed.
On the possibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan returning to the PDP to contest, the Senate Minority Leader confirmed that conversations were also taking place. “Some persons are talking to the former president to come and run. It is a possibility,” he added.