Abduljabbar Rufai, a two-term member of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, has disclosed that the party is actively negotiating with Peter Obi, a past presidential candidate for the Labour Party, to bring him back before the general elections in 2027.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Rufai disclosed this, stating that the action is a component of the PDP’s broader plan to bring its members together and fortify its stance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described Peter Obi’s potential comeback a “strategic” move that would boost the PDP’s prospects, particularly in the South-South and Southeast, where Obi is well-liked.
“Leaders of the PDP recently visited Peter Obi, and we believe his return to the PDP, a party he once called home, would be highly strategic and impactful.
“Looking at the 2023 polls, it’s clear that Peter Obi garnered the majority of his votes from the Southeast, which has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP. If we can bring him back, it would be a game-changer for the party and a boost to our electoral prospects,” he said.
Rufai further disclosed that the PDP is facing internal crisis but expressed hope that they can be resolved.
“We are now 16 or 17 months away from the general election, and before the end of this year, Insha’Allah, we aim to reconcile with every aggrieved member of the party. Efforts are being made to align the party and appease those with grievances,” he said.
He cited the PDP’s strong national presence and track record, contrasting it with the APC’s alleged weaknesses.
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“The PDP, as the most structured party in Nigeria since 1999, and arguably in West Africa, has a legacy, history, and presence in every local government, ward, and state across the country.
“This cannot be said for the APC or any other political party. We remain hopeful as we approach the November 2025 convention, where we will elect a new National Working Committee to steer the party towards victory in the 2027 elections,” he said.
Rufai also discussed the internal conflicts within the APC, particularly the persistent rumours that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be dropped by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his running mate in 2027. He cautioned that the APC might lose support in the Northeast if such a move were made.
“President Tinubu is undoubtedly a strategic politician, but there are speculations that he might replace Shettima. If he does, he risks losing the entire Northeast.
“In the 2023 elections, the APC won only one state in the Northeast, Borno, the home state of Vice President Shettima. Removing him from the ticket would effectively cede the region. This would present a significant opportunity for the PDP to capitalize on those regions,” Rufai said.
