The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to officially state its position on the coalition being formed by key opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, DAILY GAZETTE has learned that the party may consider joining the alliance on one condition: that it does not lose its distinct identity in the process.
Having ruled Nigeria for 16 years before being unseated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, the PDP remains a major force in opposition politics.
Last week, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, confirmed his participation in a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.
Atiku’s statement was in response to an earlier call by former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who urged opposition leaders to unite against the APC.
El-Rufai made this call while announcing his decision to leave the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
During a press conference organized by opposition leaders to discuss the President’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Atiku was asked whether the emerging coalition would be the primary opposition platform against the APC in 2027. He responded unequivocally, saying, “Yes.”
Sources within the PDP have indicated that the party expects Atiku to clarify his position soon. A National Executive Committee (NEC) member, speaking anonymously, stated, “We expect him to shed more light on his decision as we proceed. For now, he is still a high-ranking member of our party, the PDP.”
“We have been following his public statements and engagements, and he hasn’t announced to anyone that he is leaving or has left our party.”
“Yes, he left the party on two previous occasions over the past two decades—first to join Tinubu’s Action Congress (AC) to contest the 2007 presidential election, and then in 2013 or thereabouts to join others in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
“Note, however, that on each of these occasions, he returned to the PDP. Now, whether he is planning to leave to join others or he wants others to come join us to beat the APC rigging machine in 2027, only he can explain.
“For now, from my interactions with members of his team, one thing is clear: this time around, Atiku’s move is a strategic step towards unifying opposition forces against the ruling APC.
“His announcement of the formation of a coalition signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, as opposition leaders seek to present a united front against the current administration.
“The proposed coalition is expected to bring together key political parties and stakeholders, including prominent figures like Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
“It’s worth noting that Atiku’s decision might not be universally accepted within the PDP, as some members may have different opinions on the best strategy to challenge the APC in 2027.
“Nevertheless, Atiku’s move demonstrates his commitment to opposing the current administration and his willingness to work with other opposition parties to achieve this goal.”
While Atiku’s move is being debated, PDP leaders insist that the party’s identity must remain intact.
A former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, made this clear when he dismissed El-Rufai’s call to join the SDP.
Lamido said, “The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai. You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP.
“He (El-Rufai) once said that there are no elders in Nigerian politics, but now he is calling on us to join him in the SDP.”
Questioning El-Rufai’s motivation, Lamido further stated, “Leadership is done with patience and vision, and doing things for the peace of the followers and the country as a whole.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, asserting that the party had not done anything to warrant him leaving for another.
His stance was echoed by Chief Bode George, another founding member of the PDP, who has repeatedly stated his commitment to remaining in the party.
