2027 Politics: Rumoured Return to PDP by Peter Obi Unnerves ADC Coalition
Recent developments suggest that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, may be considering a return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sparking concerns within the emerging opposition alliance spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Observers fear that Obi’s potential defection to the PDP could fracture the growing unity of the opposition coalition, which heavily relies on his influence and popularity.
Speculation intensified on Monday after former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, revealed on Channels TV’s Politics Today that “credible intelligence” indicated Obi was planning a comeback to the PDP to vie for its 2027 presidential ticket. Sheriff noted, “Peter Obi wants to be President. Atiku has been Vice President, and for him, it’s President or nothing.”
Obi, who was Atiku Abubakar’s running mate on the PDP ticket in 2019, left the party in 2022 to run under the Labour Party.
Just a day prior to Sheriff’s statement, PDP founding member and elder statesman, Prof. Jerry Gana, confirmed that the party was actively reaching out to Obi and other former members. Though no formal negotiations have begun, Gana disclosed that discussions were underway with Obi’s close associates. “Yes, why not?” he said when asked if the PDP was courting Obi. “He was our member… I’ve personally met with him and others around him.”
The PDP has since zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South—widely interpreted as an open invitation to Obi and other southern contenders. The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described Obi as “a very, very great capital for any political party,” adding, “Peter Obi is our product. We want to get him back.”
However, ADC is not taking the reports lightly. Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesman, told Arise TV that Obi cannot risk returning to the PDP, emphasizing his alignment with the ADC-led coalition:
“Peter Obi, more than anyone else, knows that he cannot take the risk of going to the PDP.”
Meanwhile, Obi has distanced himself from any statement affirming or denying his association with either party. In a release from his media office, signed by Ibrahim Umar of Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the former Anambra governor warned against fabricated statements attributed to him.
“Peter Obi has been unequivocal about his position in the coalition. He does not need anyone to speak for him or twist his words,” the statement read, urging the public to rely only on official channels for his communications.
Efforts by DAILY POST to obtain comments from Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.
Public affairs analyst and communications scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, commented that Obi’s unpredictability is causing anxiety in both the ADC coalition and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He advised Obi against returning to the PDP, describing it as a “carcass” of its former self.
According to Odo, “PDP is a shadow of what it used to be, now effectively under the control of Wike, who seems to be holding it in trust for Tinubu.” He further suggested that Sheriff’s comments may have been politically motivated media baiting, leveraging Obi’s name for attention.
Odo added, “Obi has made it clear he will contest the 2027 presidential election, but the platform remains uncertain. Whether it’s the LP, ADC, or even a return to the PDP is yet to be seen. However, he has said he remains with the Labour Party and supports the coalition.”
He concluded by advising Nigerians to remain discerning:
“Obi is unpredictable, which frustrates those trying to box him in. His large following has made him a prime target of both the ruling party and opposition camps. We must look beyond politics and objectively assess the character, vision, and track records of those seeking to lead.”
