JUST IN: PDP to hold strategic talks with Atiku, Obi, other power brokers

The Peoples Democratic Party has confirmed plans to hold high-level reconciliation talks with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex–Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other influential political figures as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The disclosure was made on Wednesday by the party’s South-South Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, during an interview on Channels Television.

Ogidi said the consultations were part of a wider outreach targeted at rebuilding the PDP and reaffirming its relevance as Nigeria’s leading opposition party, despite the internal challenges it has faced since the 2023 elections.

“We are doing the rounds. We have already seen a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and a former President, Ibrahim Babangida,” Ogidi said.

“It is all about meeting those who are important in Nigeria to let them know that we are alive and that the party is moving forward.”

Confirming plans to engage both Obi and Atiku, Ogidi described the move as a deliberate effort to reconnect with major opposition figures who once played central roles in the PDP.

“Yes, we also have plans to see Peter Obi. Even Atiku Abubakar, as a former vice president of the country, we are going to meet him,” he said, adding that “the PDP remains the real face of democracy in Nigeria.”

Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar were prominent figures within the PDP in the past, serving as vice presidential and presidential candidates respectively in the 2019 general election.

Atiku also emerged as the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 polls. Both politicians have since pitched their political tents with the African Democratic Congress.

The renewed outreach comes as the PDP grapples with lingering internal divisions following its defeat by the ruling All Progressives Congress in the last general election.

In a related development, members of the PDP National Working Committee on Tuesday paid a visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.

The delegation was led by the party’s National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Turaki said Jonathan reassured the party of his continued loyalty and commitment.

“We have his assurance that he remains an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and feels a sense of obligation to support the party,” Turaki said.

According to him, the former president’s remarks were “very reassuring and encouraging” as the PDP prepares for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 general elections.