The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disclosed plans to meet with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; ex–Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; and other key political figures as part of efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s main opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A chieftain of the party, Emmanuel Ogidi, who is the PDP Chairman in the South-South, made this known on Wednesday while speaking on Channels Television, monitored by Sahara Reporters.
Ogidi said the party had begun consultations with influential political actors across the country to signal that the PDP remains relevant despite its internal crisis.
“We’re doing the rounds. We have already seen a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and a former President, IBB,” Ogidi said.
“It’s all about seeing those who are important in Nigeria to tell them that we are alive and we’re moving.”
Confirming plans to engage Obi and Atiku, both former PDP stalwarts, Ogidi said the party was determined to reconnect with all major opposition figures.
“I know you’re 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,” he said, adding that “PDP is the real face of democracy in Nigeria.”
Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar were key figures in the PDP in the past, serving as vice presidential and presidential candidates respectively in the 2019 elections. Atiku also flew the PDP’s presidential flag in the 2023 general election. Both politicians have since aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The latest outreach comes as the PDP battles deep internal divisions following its defeat in the 2023 elections by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Tuesday, members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) also met with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. The delegation was led by the party’s National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Turaki said Jonathan reassured the party of his continued loyalty.
“We have his assurance that he remains an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and feels obliged to support the party,” Turaki said.
“The PDP has done enough for him, and he will try his best to do more for the party.”
According to Turaki, the former president’s comments were “very reassuring and encouraging” as the party prepares for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 general elections.
