In a major move to consolidate Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the next general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to hold strategic meetings with two of its most prominent former members: ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The revelation was made by Emmanuel Ogidi, the PDP’s South-South Chairman, during an appearance on Channels Televisionโs The Morning Brief on Wednesday.
Ogidi stated that consultations with key political figures are part of a broader initiative to rebuild and revitalize the party.
โWeโre doing the rounds. We have already seen a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and a former President, IBB,โ Ogidi said. โI know youโre going to ask me about Obi. Yes, we also have plans to see Peter Obi. Even Atiku Abubakar, as the former vice president of the country, we are going to meet him. You see, PDP is the real face of democracy in Nigeria.โ
Both Atiku and Obi have deep roots in the PDP. Atiku was the party’s presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, while Obi served as the vice-presidential candidate in 2019 before defecting to the Labour Party for the 2023 election. Recently, both leaders have aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This outreach follows a similar visit by the PDP National Working Committee, led by Chairman Tanimu Turaki, to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday.
Jonathan reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to the party, offering assurances of his support ahead of crucial off-season elections and the 2027 polls.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has been plagued by internal crises and factional disputes since its loss in the 2023 elections.
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