In a surprising move, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed its efforts to bring former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, back into its ranks.
This announcement was made by the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who emphasized Obi’s potential to significantly enhance the party’s electoral prospects.
During an appearance on Arise Television, Abdullahi hailed Obi’s impressive performance in the last election cycle, where he received over six million votes, despite facing what he termed “massive rigging” and systematic attempts to undermine his campaign in various regions. “Peter Obi is our product. We want to get him back because he represents a tremendous asset for any political party,” Abdullahi stated.
He expressed confidence that Obi could have achieved even greater success had he not encountered significant institutional challenges during the elections. Abdullahi noted, “The fact that he still managed to secure over six million votes indicates he is a candidate who cannot be overlooked.”
After departing from the PDP just before the party primaries to run under the Labour Party, Obi finished third in the competitive race, trailing Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC, the eventual winner. His strong appeal among younger voters and urban demographics has established him as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
Acknowledging the impact of Obi’s departure, Abdullahi remarked that it represented a notable setback for the PDP, yet he affirmed that Obi continues to command respect within the party. “Any political entity that has the chance to include him will undoubtedly benefit. The PDP remains committed to this effort,” he added.
The PDP is currently engaged in comprehensive internal discussions and strategic planning aimed at unifying opposition forces in preparation for the 2027 general elections, with the goal of welcoming Obi back into the fold as a key component of this strategy.
Abdullahi concluded with optimism, stating, “In due time, we believe we may be able to bring him back, which would be a significant boost for the PDP.” This overture comes as calls grow from various political figures and civil society organizations urging Nigeria’s opposition parties to form a consolidated alliance ahead of the next presidential election, as many believe a unified opposition is essential to challenge the APC, which has held power since 2015.
