A senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party, Emmanuel Ogidi, has revealed that the party is preparing to hold talks with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other influential political leaders as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s leading opposition force.
Ogidi, who serves as the PDP’s South-South Chairman, disclosed this during Wednesday’s edition of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he explained that the party has begun a series of strategic engagements aimed at reasserting its relevance on the national stage.
“So we’re doing the rounds. We have already seen a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and a former President, IBB,” Ogidi said during the programme.
According to him, the outreach is focused on engaging individuals who play significant roles in Nigeria’s political space, with the aim of demonstrating that the PDP remains active and determined to move forward. He confirmed that Peter Obi is firmly on the party’s consultation list.
“So, it’s all about seeing those who are important in Nigeria to tell them that we are alive and we’re moving. I know you’re going to ask me about Obi. Yes, we also have plans to see Peter Obi,” he said.
Ogidi added that Atiku Abubakar, given his experience as a former vice president, would also be engaged in the party’s rebuilding efforts.
“Even Atiku Abubakar, as the former vice president of the country, we are going to meet him. You see, PDP is the real face of democracy in Nigeria.”
Both Obi and Atiku were previously members of the PDP and represented the party at different levels, with Obi serving as its vice-presidential candidate in 2019 and Atiku flying the party’s flag as presidential candidate in both the 2019 and 2023 elections. Following internal disagreements, both politicians later aligned with the African Democratic Congress.
The renewed consultation drive comes shortly after members of the PDP National Working Committee paid a visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Maitama office in Abuja. The delegation, led by National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, briefed Jonathan on the party’s internal situation and future plans.
Turaki told journalists after the meeting, “We have his assurance that he remains an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and feels obliged to support the party; the PDP has done enough for him, and he will try his best to do more for the party.”
He described Jonathan’s comments as encouraging, especially as the party prepares for off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 general elections.
Once Nigeria’s ruling party from 1999 to 2015, the PDP has struggled with deep internal divisions since its defeat in the 2023 elections by the All Progressives Congress.
The crisis has intensified following a contentious convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, which resulted in the expulsion of prominent figures such as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose. Since then, rival factions have continued to lay claim to the party’s national leadership, further complicating efforts to rebuild.
What you should know
The PDP’s planned engagements with figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar signal a broader attempt to heal old rifts and reposition the party as a united opposition ahead of future elections.
Having lost power at the federal level and battled internal crises since 2023, the party is seeking legitimacy and renewed influence by reconnecting with former leaders and political heavyweights.
Whether these talks will translate into alliances or simply consultations remains unclear, but they underline the PDP’s urgency to stabilise its structure and remain competitive against the ruling APC ahead of 2027.
