In a strategic move aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is working towards a coalition with prominent opposition figures. This announcement comes against the backdrop of widespread hunger and insecurity plaguing Nigeria.
On Monday, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the deputy national spokesman for the PDP, revealed the party’s plans during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program. Abdullahi stated that the PDP, along with former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (New Nigeria Peoples Party – NNPP), are prepared to set aside personal ambitions to form a strong coalition to challenge the ruling APC and “rescue Nigerians from hunger.”
Abdullahi criticized the previous PDP leadership for failing to manage internal disputes, which he believes contributed to the loss of key figures such as former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, Kwankwaso, and Obi. He suggested that their presence within the PDP might have led to a victory over APC’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last election.
Reflecting on the past election, Abdullahi noted, “We’ve lost Kwankwaso, we’ve lost Peter Obi. All of these people, imagine if they were in the party. We would have won the elections. The APC claimed they defeated us with over one million votes—just one of these names would have covered that gap, and we would have been in power today, certainly alleviating the despair and despondency in the country.”
When questioned about the possibility of re-integrating Obi, Kwankwaso, Wike, and others into the PDP, Abdullahi confirmed that discussions are ongoing. He mentioned that ongoing talks include Peter Obi meeting with Atiku Abubakar and other key figures. “Party management is a very difficult thing, and we are doing our best in the current situation. Rest assured, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. We have learned our lessons the hard way,” Abdullahi stated.
Abdullahi also discussed the potential outcomes of Obi, Kwankwaso, and others rejoining the PDP. He indicated that one of them might yield to the other, which could provide clearer direction for the party. “Our concern is to ensure that we salvage Nigerians from this despair, focusing on hunger and insecurity. There is clear ineptitude on the part of those currently managing the country,” he added.
In emphasizing the importance of addressing Nigeria’s current hardships over individual ambitions, Abdullahi remarked, “Atiku is willing to step aside if it’s in the best interest of the country. His participation in the race is a fundamental democratic right, but he is not imposing it on the party or the nation. Both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar are suitably qualified, and we will support whichever of them gets the ticket to address Nigeria’s situation.”
The PDP’s efforts to form a coalition and address national issues reflect a significant shift in strategy as the party prepares for the upcoming electoral contest.
