As political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 general elections, influential figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are ramping up efforts to woo Peter Obi back to the party, urging the former Anambra State governor to run under its platform.
This renewed push comes as the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition continues to gather momentum, fuelling speculation about a looming contest for Obi’s allegiance ahead of what many predict will be a high-stakes electoral cycle.
Though Obi is part of the ADC coalition, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, who polled 6,101,533 votes to place third, has yet to publicly declare his preferred platform for 2027, even as opposition parties intensify alliance talks.
The development comes amid a surge in political activity around the ADC-led opposition coalition, which is attracting several political heavyweights, including some disaffected PDP leaders.
Analysts and party insiders say the momentum of the ADC may have forced PDP strategists to reconsider Obi as a unifying figure who could help the party reclaim lost ground especially after the exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Efforts to get a formal comment from Debo Ologunagba, the party’s national publicity secretary, were not successful as of the time of filing this report. However, in a statement he issued on Tuesday, he said the PDP remains open to alliances with like-minded Nigerians and groups committed to rescuing the country from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, another member of the party’s National Working Committee, who asked not to be named, confirmed that the party is making overtures to the former Anambra governor.
“We are looking for a southern candidate that will sell the party, and the leaders want to use Obi to get credibility because most people are leaving the party,” the source said.
He, however, added that Obi agreeing to join the party for the 2027 election would be strange “but not surprising because in politics, anything is possible.”
Sources said the PDP is increasingly worried about its shrinking base, following high-profile defections including its 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; his 2023 running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; and the governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom states, along with their respective state party structures.
The party is also grappling with internal power struggles and growing public apathy, further weakening its national outlook.
Obi’s rise to prominence and appeal for 2027
Obi, who rose to prominence on the back of the #EndSARS movement, was in the PDP until May 2022, when he exited to pursue his presidential bid. He had previously run as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the PDP’s 2019 presidential ticket, which lost to the then-incumbent APC. The duo secured 11,262,978 votes against President Muhammadu Buhari’s 15,191,847.
However, by 2023, both men had gone their separate ways, only to be defeated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who garnered 8,794,726 votes to their combined 13,086,053. Analysts say the outcome contributed to the post-election realignment that birthed the ADC-led coalition, based on the belief that a united opposition could have changed the result.
Since the coalition adopted the ADC as its platform for the 2027 race, speculation has grown around a potential face-off for its ticket between Obi and Atiku. This has fuelled daily clashes between their supporters on social media, casting doubt over the possibility of both men working together, as each is believed to be eyeing the presidency.
With Atiku now out of the PDP and Obi at odds with the Julius Abure-led Labour Party leadership, party insiders and analysts believe the PDP could stage a strong comeback in 2027, if it manages to woo Obi back and balance competing ambitions, especially that of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, seen as a key contender for the PDP ticket.
Amid these developments, PDP founding member Professor Jerry Gana claimed Obi would fare better in northern Nigeria if he contested under the PDP banner.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Wednesday, Gana said: “I’m a researcher, and I research opinions. In the northern states, Peter Obi under the PDP will defeat any candidate, because our people are very fair‑minded.”
Similarly, Abduljabbar Rufai, a two-time PDP Presidential Campaign Council member, confirmed ongoing talks with Obi, describing his possible return as a strategic move that could boost PDP’s prospects, particularly in the Southeast and South-South where Obi enjoys strong support.
“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,” Rufai said.
Referencing the 2023 election, he added, “If we can bring him back, it would be a game-changer for the party and a boost to our electoral prospects.”
Earlier, party chieftain Segun Sowunmi had also called on Obi to return to the PDP ahead of 2027.
“If Peter Obi could secure over six million votes on his own—without governors or major support—just imagine what he could achieve with 12 governors and a solid grassroots infrastructure,” he said.
He added that with the PDP ticket, Obi could win the Southeast, South-South, Christian North, and North Central zones.
Even before these national overtures, the PDP’s Anambra State chapter had issued a formal call in June, urging Obi to return. In a communiqué signed by the state chairman, Chidi Chidebe, the party argued that coalition politics would not produce the desired outcome in 2027.
“The committee extends an open invitation to all aggrieved and former members of the PDP in Anambra, particularly our revered former governor, Mr Peter Obi, to return home and reunite with the now rejuvenated and restructured PDP,” it read.
He’ll contest in 2027, but platform not yet decided – Yunusa Tanko
Speaking with Daily Trust yesterday, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, welcomed the PDP’s overtures, confirming that Obi would contest in 2027 but that the platform remains undecided.
He said Obi remains committed to the broader goal of uniting opposition forces behind a common cause.
“His Excellency has always maintained that he is open to any coalition that can produce the best candidates and give Nigeria a real chance at meaningful progress,” he said.
Tanko noted that before the PDP’s approach, six other parties had reached out to Obi. “What matters now is building a formidable force,” he added.
“If the PDP or elements within it want to join the coalition, they’re welcome. But this is not about returning to any one party. We are focused on unity. Everyone must come together as a team for the greater good.”
He stressed that the platform would be announced “in due time,” while reaffirming that Obi’s movement is growing stronger.
“What matters is the unity of purpose—not the banner under which we contest, but what we stand for,” he said.
Tanko dismissed claims of indecision, saying Obi has been an integral part of the ADC-led coalition from the start.
“The ADC coalition is, in fact, a coalition. Coalitions by nature are open to absorbing other groups and individuals,” he explained. “It’s not a contradiction for Obi to remain part of the coalition while still welcoming broader collaboration.”
He added that Obi was exempted from joining any particular party immediately, a decision accepted by coalition leaders.
Tanko clarified that the movement started with individuals and civic groups before political parties joined, giving it a foundation beyond partisan boundaries.
DAILY TRUST.
