2027: Obi-PDP Rumors Rattle ADC

Recent developments suggest that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, may be weighing a political return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This potential move has sparked concerns among political observers, who fear that Obi’s defection could disrupt the growing opposition alliance currently gaining traction under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Analysts warn that such a shift could significantly weaken the cohesion and momentum of the opposition front, which has been working to present a united challenge ahead of future elections.

Speculation Rises Over Peter Obi’s Possible Return to PDP, Raising Concerns in Opposition Circles

Fresh signals have emerged suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) presidential flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi, may be exploring the possibility of rejoining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Analysts are expressing concern that such a shift could fracture the budding opposition coalition currently gaining ground under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The coalition, which has centered much of its momentum around Obi’s influence and popularity, now faces the risk of internal discord.

The rumors intensified following a statement by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, who claimed that Obi was actively considering a return to the PDP with presidential ambitions for 2027. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Sheriff remarked, “Peter Obi wants to be President. Atiku has been Vice President, and for him, it’s President or nothing.”

Obi had previously served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in 2019 alongside Atiku Abubakar before defecting in 2022 to pursue the presidency under the LP banner.

Adding weight to the speculation, PDP stalwart and founding member, Professor Jerry Gana, revealed that the party had begun informal outreach to Obi and other estranged members. In an interview, Gana confirmed that while no formal negotiations had taken place, meaningful dialogue had begun with close associates of the former Anambra State governor.

Gana, who is leading the PDP’s reconciliation efforts, said he personally met with Obi and his inner circle, describing the process as “step-by-step.” He also suggested that had Atiku stepped aside in 2023 in favor of Obi, the opposition might have stood on firmer ground.

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In what many see as a strategic overture, the PDP has already zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South—widely interpreted as an invitation to Southern political heavyweights like Obi.

Backing this move, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described Obi as “an asset for any political party,” and affirmed, “Peter Obi is our product. We want him back.”

However, any return to the PDP by Obi could splinter the growing opposition alliance. The ADC-led coalition has relied heavily on Obi’s presence as a unifying force capable of mounting a credible challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting to the reports, Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the ADC, warned that returning to the PDP would be a risky move for Obi. During an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time, he stated, “Peter Obi, more than anyone, knows that he cannot take the risk of going back to the PDP.”

Amid the growing uncertainty, Obi’s media office issued a disclaimer on Tuesday, distancing the former governor from any reported plans to defect. In a statement released by Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the team clarified that Obi had made no public declarations about leaving the coalition or joining another party.

“Peter Obi has always been clear about his position regarding the opposition coalition. Any statement suggesting otherwise is a fabrication aimed at mischief,” the statement read. It urged the public to disregard any comments not issued through Obi’s official platforms.

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Efforts by the DAILY POST to reach the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, for further clarification were unsuccessful, as he neither responded to calls nor returned messages.

Speaking with DAILY POST, public affairs analyst and communication lecturer at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said Obi’s strategic ambiguity is creating unease across political lines, including within the ruling APC.

He cautioned against Obi returning to the PDP, describing the party as a “shadow of its former self” and accusing it of being under the influence of powerful individuals. “Wike holds the PDP in trust for Tinubu,” Odo claimed. “Obi has no business going back unless he wants to become a political pawn.”

Odo further argued that zoning the PDP ticket to the South amid internal disarray is a cosmetic move. “If zoning mattered to the PDP, it should’ve been upheld in 2023,” he said, adding that if zoning is now their strategy, “then Wike should go ahead and pick the ticket.”

He also offered insights into the intense focus on Obi by various political actors. “Atiku’s camp is pressuring Obi. The Obidients are questioning Atiku. And Tinubu’s machinery seems more focused on Obi than any other opposition figure. That says something about the kind of influence Obi wields.”

Highlighting Obi’s evasiveness, he said, “No one really knows his next move. That’s what unsettles everyone. It’s also what keeps him politically viable. He studied philosophy—this unpredictable approach might be intentional.”

Odo called on Nigerians to evaluate political actors based on character and record, rather than follow the drama of party defections. “We must rise above this game of musical chairs and focus on who can genuinely lead us out of poverty,” he said. “We have over 130 million people living in extreme poverty. The stakes are too high for guesswork.”