As the race toward the 2027 general elections gains momentum, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reaffirming its strength in the face of internal defections and external criticism, boldly declaring itself the only party with the national reach, political capital, and structure to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party pushed back against political attacks and speculation surrounding its relevance and direction, making it clear that it remains the dominant force in Nigeria’s opposition bloc.
Ologunagba’s response was prompted by remarks from Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who suggested that Peter Obi, former PDP member and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, would not return to the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections — insinuating such a move could be politically toxic.
Is Peter Obi Really Going to Betray Nigerians?
The suggestion that Peter Obi might rejoin the PDP has stirred mixed emotions among Nigerians, particularly his teeming base of youthful, independent-minded supporters who championed his 2023 campaign as a fresh alternative to the establishment.
Though Obi himself has not confirmed any intention to return to his former party, the very idea of such a move has raised eyebrows and questions.
Would a return to PDP signal a betrayal of the ideals of political reform and outsider status that made Obi a symbol of hope for many Nigerians?
Or could it be a strategic alliance aimed at unseating a powerful ruling party by joining forces with the only opposition platform with deep electoral roots?
The PDP, however, has chosen to remain diplomatic.
“Our party remains open to working with well-meaning and like-minded Nigerians,” Ologunagba noted, without directly addressing Obi’s name.
“We will not be distracted by speculative narratives or political side-talk.”
Still, the conversation surrounding Obi’s next political move remains front and center in public discourse. To his supporters, the prospect of returning to a party many view as part of the old guard could be seen as compromising — unless framed as a means to a greater end: removing APC from power.
PDP Focused on 2027, Not Distractions
In his statement, Ologunagba emphasized that while some defections have occurred, the “real organic strength” of the PDP lies in its deep-rooted connections with ordinary Nigerians across all six geopolitical zones.
With preparations underway for its national convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, the PDP says it is consolidating gains from its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and intensifying efforts to unify and rebuild from within.
“We have the support base, national spread, and political muscle to unseat APC,” he asserted.
The Bigger Picture
As political alignments and conversations begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections, the decisions of key players like Peter Obi may well determine the strength — or fragmentation — of Nigeria’s opposition.
For now, one thing is certain: the PDP is not leaving anything to chance, and the electorate is watching — keenly.
