Speculations are rife regarding a potential return of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move that has sparked concerns about the stability of the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform. Political observers suggest this development could significantly threaten the unity and strength of the opposition bloc ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The speculation gained considerable weight on Monday after former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, stated on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme that credible intelligence indicated Obi was considering a political comeback to the PDP to contest the party’s presidential ticket in 2027. “Peter Obi wants to be President. Atiku has been Vice President, and for him, it’s President or nothing,” Sheriff remarked. Obi, who was Atiku Abubakar’s running mate under the PDP in 2019, famously left the party in 2022 to contest the 2023 presidency under the Labour Party.
A day prior to Sheriff’s disclosure, a PDP founding member and elder statesman, Prof. Jerry Gana, confirmed that the party was actively reaching out to Obi and other aggrieved former members. Gana, who leads the PDP delegation tasked with lobbying returnees, disclosed that while formal negotiations with Obi have not commenced, conversations have begun with individuals close to the former Anambra State governor. “Yes, why not?” Gana said when asked if the PDP was courting Obi. “He was our member. In fact, if I were the former Vice President, I would have in 2023 said, ‘No, Peter, you were my vice-presidential candidate in 2019. Now, I’ll support you.’ It would have been a strong statement.” He added, “We are moving step by step,” suggesting a carefully planned reintegration.
Adding to the intrigue, DAILY POST reports that the PDP has already zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a strategic move widely interpreted as an invitation to Obi and other influential southern politicians. The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, recently described Obi as “a very, very great capital for any political party,” affirming that “Peter Obi is our product. We want to get him back.”
However, DAILY POST findings indicate that should Obi rejoin the PDP, the opposition front might fracture, potentially weakening its collective ability to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s dominance. The ADC-led coalition, in particular, hinges much of its credibility and voter appeal on Obi’s participation, with the aim of unseating the ruling APC government.
ADC Warns Obi Against PDP Return
Amidst the swirling rumors, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning to Peter Obi. Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesman for the ADC, stated on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme that Peter Obi cannot “take the risk” of returning to the PDP. Abdullahi insisted that Obi is an integral part of the ADC coalition. “Regardless of what anybody is saying, it is good to see that it has taken the coming on board of ADC, to get PDP to begin to make some movements. Peter Obi, more than anyone else, knows that he cannot take the risk of going to the PDP,” Abdullahi asserted.
Obi Disowns Statements on PDP, ADC
In a bid to clarify his stance, Peter Obi on Tuesday disowned a statement purportedly issued by him denying joining the PDP and reaffirming his allegiance to the ADC. In a statement signed by Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) in Abuja, it was emphasized that Obi has been unequivocal in his position regarding the ongoing coalition and does not need anyone to speak for him. “He has remained focused on his mission but would not accept anybody attributing a statement to him just to satisfy their devious agenda. The media office wishes, therefore, to urge the public to disregard any statement purported to come from him outside his media office or his official handle,” the statement read. Efforts by DAILY POST to get clarification from Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, were unsuccessful.
Analyst Weighs In on Obi’s Unpredictable Moves
Nduka Odo, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, told DAILY POST that Obi’s unpredictable moves are rattling both the ADC coalition and the ruling party. Odo advised Obi against returning to the PDP, describing the party as a “carcass.”
Questioning the motive behind Sheriff’s statement, Odo remarked, “Is Sheriff an ally of Obi? How did he get the information? What was his motivation for such insinuation? Who is Sheriff working for? Addressing the question will surely tell you one thing that has become common today: name-dropping Peter Obi sells media space and increases ratings.”
Odo noted that Obi’s statement denying any attributed comments underscores his strategic ambiguity. “It’s interesting that Obi has issued a statement that he hasn’t said anything about PDP or ADC. Obi’s unpredictable moves are rattling not only those he attended ADC coalition meetings with. It confuses the ruling party. You know, you cannot hold down someone who you don’t know where he stands. They’re out to predict his next moves.”
While Obi has indicated his interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election, Odo highlighted the lingering uncertainty regarding his platform. “The only clear thing Obi has said so far is that he is contesting as a presidential candidate in 2027. It’s yet unclear which platform. Is it the Labour Party? Is it ADC? Will he answer the wooing of PDP leaders? Obi has also said that he remains in the LP. We all know he’s shown interest in working with the coalition.”
Regarding a potential PDP return, Odo reiterated, “I would not advise Obi to return to the PDP after the party has been left as a carcass. The former ruling party, at the national level, is left with nothing but a lost glory wound round the finger tip of Wike for him to toy with. Wike has the party on hold. And he’s holding PDP down on a trust for Tinubu. Obi shouldn’t think about going there, except he wants to be a caricature of the President and FCT minister.”
Odo concluded by advising Obi to maintain his “staccato strategy” to counter attempts to predict and frustrate his moves. He urged the ADC team to work harder, acknowledging the intense pressure on Obi from various political camps. To Nigerians, he advised objective comparison of candidates’ personalities, humanness, and records to make informed choices for the nation’s progress.
