The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, has announced that the party plans to hold strategic meetings with former presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Wednesday during the morning briefing on Channels Television, Ogidi said these consultations are crucial for revitalising the PDP’s influence at the national level.
“We have already visited former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida. Our aim is to engage with key figures in the country and demonstrate that the PDP remains active and focused. We also plan to meet Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar,” Ogidi stated.
Both Obi and Atiku were former members of the PDP. Obi ran as the party’s vice-presidential candidate in 2019, while Atiku has been the party’s presidential candidate multiple times, including in the 2023 elections. Since then, both have aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
On Tuesday, members of the PDP National Working Committee held a meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Maitama office in Abuja. The delegation, led by the PDP National Chairman Tanimu Turaki and other party leaders, discussed strategies to strengthen the party ahead of upcoming elections.
Turaki said Jonathan assured them of his continued commitment as a card-carrying PDP member and pledged his support for the party. “His words were encouraging and give us confidence as we prepare for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun, as well as the 2027 general elections,” Turaki added.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has faced internal crises following its defeat in the 2023 elections to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Currently, the party is divided, with two factions claiming leadership at the national level after the Ibadan convention, during which prominent members such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose were expelled.
