Former National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ray Nnaji, has called for a strong alliance between opposition parties to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Nnaji expressed concerns over the persistent crisis within the PDP and suggested that forming a coalition with Labour Party’s Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso could be the best strategy to unseat APC.
Nnaji attributed the lingering crisis in the PDP to alleged interference from the ruling APC, claiming that the party is deliberately destabilizing the opposition.
He argued that the APC fears a strong PDP and has employed various tactics, including intimidation and defections, to weaken the party.
“The ruling party knows that if PDP regains stability, APC will be in trouble. That is why they will not allow peace to reign in our party. They have failed Nigerians, and the level of suffering in the country today speaks volumes. But instead of fixing the economy, they are more concerned with causing disunity in PDP,” Nnaji said.
He also pointed to the role of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the crisis, accusing him of working for APC while still a PDP member.
“If APC is not behind the crisis, why have they not called Wike to order? He is doing everything possible to deliver Rivers State to APC in 2027,” he added.
The former PDP national officer also addressed the ongoing leadership tussle between National Secretary hopefuls, Udeh Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu.
He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would resolve the matter, paving the way for the party to hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and national convention.
“PDP has gone through crises before and has always come out stronger. Once the issue of the National Secretary is settled, we can move forward and reorganize,” Nnaji assured.
He also criticized PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for failing to check Wike’s influence within the party.
However, he commended his recent efforts to engage Peter Obi and Kwankwaso in discussions about a potential alliance.
Speaking on PDP’s dwindling influence in the South-East, Nnaji warned that the party risks losing its stronghold in the region, especially in Enugu State, where it currently holds power under Governor Peter Mbah.
While he acknowledged Mbah’s achievements in infrastructure and security, he faulted his approach to governance, particularly in taxation and local government administration.
“The governor is inaccessible, and people feel alienated from his government. High taxation is making life difficult for citizens, and the centralization of local government affairs in the Government House is unprecedented. If PDP wants to retain Enugu in 2027, Mbah must change his leadership style,” Nnaji cautioned.
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, Nnaji insisted that PDP alone cannot defeat APC and must seek strategic partnerships.
He emphasized that if Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso join forces under a mega coalition, it would create the best opportunity to oust APC.
“That is the only way to stop APC from returning in 2027. But Tinubu is a smart politician; he will do everything to prevent them from uniting,” he concluded.
With PDP’s internal crisis, defections to APC, and uncertainty surrounding opposition alliances, the road to 2027 remains unpredictable.
However, Nnaji believes that with the right strategy, APC’s dominance can be challenged.
