2027: PDP To Open Strategic Talks With Atiku, Obi, Other Power Brokers
— says party reaches out to Obasanjo, IBB, Jonathan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed plans to commence high-level reconciliation and strategic talks with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex–Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and other influential political stakeholders as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The disclosure was made, Wednesday, by the PDP South-South Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, during an interview on Channels Television.
Ogidi said the consultations form part of a broader nationwide outreach aimed at rebuilding the party and reaffirming its status as Nigeria’s foremost opposition platform, despite the internal challenges it has faced since the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the party has already begun engagements with key national figures.
“We are doing the rounds. We have already seen former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Ibrahim Babangida”, Ogidi said.
“It is all about meeting those who are important in Nigeria to let them know that we are alive and that the party is moving forward”.
Confirming plans to engage both Obi and Atiku, Ogidi described the move as a deliberate attempt to reconnect with major opposition figures who had played central roles in the PDP’s past electoral fortunes.
“Yes, we also have plans to see Peter Obi. Even Atiku Abubakar, as a former vice president of the country, we are going to meet him”, he said, stressing that “the PDP remains the real face of democracy in Nigeria”.
Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar were both prominent members of the PDP in the past, serving respectively as vice presidential and presidential candidates in the 2019 general election. Atiku also emerged as the party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 polls. Both politicians have since aligned with the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
The renewed reconciliation drive comes amid lingering internal divisions within the PDP following its defeat by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the last general election.
Meanwhile, in a related development, members of the PDP National Working Committee, NWC, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the party’s National Chairman, Ambassador Tanimu Turaki.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Turaki said Jonathan reaffirmed his loyalty and continued commitment to the PDP.
“We have his assurance that he remains an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and feels a sense of obligation to support the party”, Turaki said.
He described the former president’s remarks as “very reassuring and encouraging” as the PDP prepares for forthcoming off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 general elections.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
