A two-time member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Abduljabbar Rufai, has revealed that the party is in active talks with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over a possible return ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Rufai described the move as a strategic effort aimed at strengthening the PDP’s electoral chances and unifying its support base across the country, especially in the Southeast and South-South, where Obi enjoys massive followership.
He added that Obi’s return would boost the PDP’s chances significantly, citing the 2023 elections, where Obi polled the majority of his votes from the Southeast, a region long considered a PDP stronghold.
“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.
“If we can bring him back, it would be a game-changer for the party and a boost to our electoral prospects.”
Rufai admitted the PDP is grappling with internal disagreements but assured that efforts are ongoing to resolve grievances and rebuild party cohesion before the elections.
“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,” he said.
He disclosed that reconciliation talks are being intensified ahead of the November 2025 National Convention, where a new National Working Committee would emerge to steer the party toward victory.
APC lacks PDP’s national structure – Rufai
Rufai contrasted the PDP with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the latter of lacking national reach and cohesion.
“The PDP, as the most structured party in Nigeria since 1999, and arguably in West Africa, has a legacy, history, and presence in every local government, ward, and state across the country. This cannot be said for the APC or any other political party,” he stated.
Tinubu risks Northeast fallout if Shettima is dropped
The PDP chieftain also weighed in on growing speculation that President Bola Tinubu may drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in 2027.
“If he does, he risks losing the entire Northeast,” Rufai warned.
He recalled that in the 2023 elections, the APC secured only one state in the Northeast, Borno, which is Shettima’s home state.
“Removing him from the ticket would effectively cede the region. This would present a significant opportunity for the PDP to capitalize on those regions,” Rufai added.
Rufai also announced his intention to contest for the position of PDP National Youth Leader at the upcoming convention. He pledged to energise the party’s youth wing and create platforms for young people to enter governance.
“My aspiration to serve as the National Youth Leader of the PDP is rooted in conviction, not mere ambition,” he said.
“I believe I have what it takes to rekindle the spirit and reignite the energy within the party, particularly among its youth wing.”
He further promised to maintain an open-door policy, collaborate with international youth groups, and champion youth empowerment if elected.
The post 2027: ‘Peter Obi’s Return To PDP Will Be A Game Changer, Our Leaders In Talk With Him’ – Party Chieftain appeared first on Naija News.
