• Atiku’s ally says PDP may not survive ADC’s ‘second stroke’
• ADC slams APC’s ‘No vacancy in Aso Rock’ as arrogant, undemocratic
Two-Time member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Abduljabbar Rufai, has revealed that the party is in talks with former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to bring him back ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Rufai explained that the move was part of the PDP’s wider strategy to unite its members and strengthen its position against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the recent statement by the newly appointed National Chairman of the APC, Prof NentaweYilwatda, who declared that there would be “no vacancy in Aso Rock” in 2027.
In a statement yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the remark as “presumptuous and undemocratic,” warning that the Presidency “is not a birthright or a permanent seat for any party”, but a mandate that must be earned through performance and renewed by the people’s votes.
Rufai described Obi’s possible return as a ‘strategic’ step that could improve the PDP’s chances, especially in the South-East and South-South regions where Obi enjoys strong support.
“Leaders of the PDP recently visited 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 Obi garnered most of his votes from the South-East, 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. Admitting that the PDP is facing internal issues, he expressed confidence 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 pointed to the PDP’s strong national presence and track record, contrasting it with the APC’s alleged weaknesses. But Segun Sowunmi, a former campaign spokesman and an ally of Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wondered how the PDP would survive the second stroke of ADC, after surviving the first stroke by the G-5 governors.
During the 2023 presidential period, the G-5, led by then Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, worked against the PDP and its candidate, Atiku.
While Wike and some worked for Tinubu of the APC, Samuel Ortom, then governor of Benue State, supported Obi of LP.
Posting on X, Sowunmi said: “PDP seems to have survived the first stroke caused by G-5. Let us hope it can survive the second stroke caused by ADC.
“To pretend not to see their efforts is madness. @OfficialPDPNig, there is more to energising a party than what the present handlers are doing.” The APC chairman’s boast, Abdullahi said, is disrespectful to Nigerians who are daily grappling with hunger, insecurity, joblessness and unfulfilled promises.
“It is an insult to the very idea of democracy and a clear sign that the ruling party fears a fair contest. Regardless of what the APC may believe, there will be a vacancy in 2027,” Rufai said, emphasising that Tinubu would need to seek a fresh mandate from Nigerians, based on his performance over the previous four years.
