By Rafiyat Sadiq
A former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Abduljabbar Rufai, has revealed that discussions are ongoing between party leaders and former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi as part of efforts to bring him back into the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Rufai said Obi’s return would strengthen the PDP’s position and significantly improve its chances at the polls, especially in the Southeast and South-South regions where Obi maintains a strong support base.
“Leaders of the PDP have visited Peter Obi,” Rufai said. “We believe his return to the party he once called home would be a strategic and impactful move. In 2023, most of Obi’s support came from PDP’s traditional strongholds. Bringing him back could shift the tide in our favour.”
Rufai acknowledged ongoing internal disputes within the PDP but expressed optimism that the party would overcome its challenges before the next general election.
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“We have about 16 to 17 months before the 2027 elections,” he said. “Before the end of this year, we intend to reconcile with every aggrieved member. The party is working to address internal issues and rebuild unity.”
He described the PDP as the most structured political party in Nigeria and West Africa, highlighting its nationwide reach and long-standing legacy.
“Since 1999, the PDP has maintained a presence in every local government, ward, and state across the country. No other party, including the APC, can match our reach and structure. We are optimistic as we approach our November 2025 convention, where we will elect a new National Working Committee to lead us into the 2027 elections,” Rufai added.
Commenting on political developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Rufai warned that any move by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate could cost the party significant ground in the Northeast.
“Speculations are rising that President Tinubu may consider replacing Shettima ahead of 2027. If that happens, the APC risks losing the entire Northeast.
In 2023, the party won only Borno State in that region—Shettima’s home state. Removing him could open the door for the PDP to gain ground,” he said.
Rufai also used the briefing to announce his intention to contest for the position of PDP National Youth Leader at the upcoming party convention. He said his focus would be on youth mobilisation, empowerment, and building a vibrant new generation of party leaders.
“My ambition to become the PDP National Youth Leader is driven by conviction,” he said. “I want to energise the youth wing of the party and give young people a reason to believe in the PDP again.”
He pledged to maintain an open-door policy and collaborate with youth-focused organisations, both within and outside Nigeria, to encourage young people to actively participate in governance and national development.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
