PDP Clarifies Stance on Coalition Against Tinubu’s Re-election in 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved to clarify its position on a political coalition aimed at stopping President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

There were criticisms following a meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Ibadan, where resolutions taken appeared to challenge the momentum behind a proposed anti-APC coalition being championed by loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In the communiqué issued after the meeting, the governors declared that “the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.” The pronouncement led to fresh debate within the party, especially among factions advocating for strategic alliances ahead of the next general elections.

Reacting to the governors’ position, Comrade Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader and member of the PDP’s National Working Committee, offered clarification. While acknowledging the stance of the governors, he insisted that the party remains open to coalition talks — but only under terms that preserve PDP’s identity and leadership role.

“Firstly, the PDP is not averse to the idea of a political coalition; what we are saying and what we are insisting on is that we are the bigger partner for any such thing and therefore, our brand name must remain intact,” Osadolor said.

He stressed the importance of retaining the PDP’s name and stature in any alliance: “We will not say that because we are doing coalition, PDP will now allow itself to be turned into PDSP or PDRC; what we are asserting is that we will take the superior position, the pride of place in any coalition talk – that is our position.”

The narrative from the Atiku Abubakar camp, however, differs. Mr. Paul Ibe, spokesman of the Atiku Media Office, noted that the push for a coalition is driven by Nigerians’ demand for change, not just internal party politics.

“We respect the position of PDP governors; governors are major stakeholders in any political party, not just the PDP but the biggest stakeholders in any political party are Nigerians,” Ibe said. “Nigerians are clear about the direction they want to go, they want to end this government, they want to rebuild this country and to do that, they have to reclaim it first.”

He dismissed any notion that the coalition is exclusively about Atiku: “This is not just about Atiku Abubakar; he and other political leaders who are involved in this are just the tools towards achieving an end; this (coalition) is all about Nigeria.”

“It is still early but there would be alignments and realignments; twenty-four hours is a long time in politics and when the train gets going, some of the governors would probably meet it at one of the multiple stations,” he added

On Atiku’s 2027 intentions, Ibe made clear there’s been no final decision: “Alhaji Atiku has recently said it that when it comes to 2027 (elections), he has not made a determination; when the man himself has not gotten to that point, it would be mischievous of anyone to suggest such.”

“The focus of Atiku Abubakar right now is to ensure the birth of the coalition, to join hands with men and women of goodwill – with patriots to nurture that coalition, to ensure that the coalition represents a robust platform for disengaging the APC administration.”