A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has announced plans to meet with former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar as part of moves to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The disclosure was made by the party’s South-South chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, during a television programme on Wednesday.
Ogidi explained that the party has begun consultations with prominent political figures across the country to signal its continued presence and readiness for future elections. He said the group has already held discussions with former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida and intends to extend the same engagement to Obi and Atiku.
Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar were once key members of the PDP, serving as vice presidential and presidential candidates in past elections. Atiku was the party’s flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, while Obi later left the party alongside him to join the African Democratic Congress.
Earlier in the week, members of the PDP National Working Committee, led by National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, also visited former President Goodluck Jonathan at his office in Abuja. The delegation said Jonathan confirmed his continued membership of the PDP and expressed willingness to support the party’s activities.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has faced internal divisions since losing the 2023 general elections. The crisis deepened after a disputed convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where two groups emerged claiming national leadership of the party and several senior figures were expelled. As preparations continue for off-season elections and the 2027 polls, the planned meetings are part of efforts by the faction to steady the party and rebuild its structure.