Abduljabbar Rufai, a two-time member of the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, has stated that the party is in active talks with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to bring him back ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rufai said this while addressing journalists in Abuja, adding that the action is part of the PDP’s larger goal to unite its members and improve its position against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He described Obi’s potential comeback as a strategic’ move that might boost the PDP’s chances, particularly in the Southeast and South-South regions, where Obi has considerable 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.
“Looking at the 2023 polls, it’s clear that Peter Obi garnered the majority of his votes from the Southeast, which has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP. If we can bring him back, it would be a game-changer for the party and a boost to our electoral prospects,” he said.
Rufai admitted that the party is facing internal issues but expressed confidence that they can be resolved.
“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. Efforts are being made to align the party and appease those with grievances,” he said.
He emphasised the PDP’s strong national presence and track record, contrasting it with the APC’s apparent inadequacies.
“This cannot be said for the APC or any other political party. We remain hopeful as we approach the November 2025 convention, where we will elect a new National Working Committee to steer the party towards victory in the 2027 elections,” he said.
Rufai also addressed APC internal problems, specifically persistent speculation that President Bola Tinubu may drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in 2027.
He cautioned that such action could cost the APC support in the Northeast.
“President Tinubu is undoubtedly a strategic politician, but there are speculations that he might replace Shettima. If he does, he risks losing the entire Northeast.
“In the 2023 elections, the APC won only one state in the Northeast, Borno, the home state of Vice President Shettima.
“Removing him from the ticket would effectively cede the region. This would present a significant opportunity for the PDP to capitalise on those regions,” Rufai said.
