Gladness Gideon
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has dismissed reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is part of ongoing coalition talks aimed at forming a viable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Lawal—one of the founding members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change and now a key player in the emerging political alliance—categorically denied any involvement or interest in bringing the PDP into the fold, describing the party as “an incurable virus.”
His remarks follow a communiqué issued by the PDP Governors’ Forum after a meeting in Ibadan on Monday. Chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the forum rejected the notion of merging with any political bloc, although it expressed openness to welcoming individuals or groups willing to join the PDP’s platform.
Reacting to the development, Lawal stated, “Every time we had discussions with members of the other groups working on the coalition, the name PDP never comes up. Everybody we talk to about PDP says it is an incurable virus.”
He added, “I have never attended a meeting where the PDP was under consideration for the merger. Maybe Atiku planned to bring them in, but our discussion has mostly revolved around two options: forming a brand-new political party or joining an existing one. The PDP has never been one of those options.”
Lawal also questioned the relevance of the PDP in the current political climate, saying attempts to rehabilitate the party have consistently failed.
“Quite a lot of people inside and outside the PDP have approached us, saying the party can be repaired. But each time, the situation seems to deteriorate further. I don’t think those in the PDP are serious people.”
READ ALSO: PDP Not Joining Any Merger, Coalition — Govs’ Forum Declares
Supporting Lawal’s view, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Mallam Salihu Lukman, mocked the PDP governors’ position, suggesting their rejection of a merger reflects the party’s internal collapse. Lukman reiterated that the coalition’s primary objective is to rebuild public trust in politics and mount credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2027.
He also accused Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of deliberately sabotaging the PDP from within to protect the political fortunes of President Bola Tinubu.
However, not all PDP leaders align with Lawal’s perspective. Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman (South-West), backed the governors’ stance, stating on Channels Television that a merger with structure-less movements would diminish the PDP’s stature. He also reiterated the party’s resolve not to offer its 2027 presidential ticket to another northerner, hinting at the end of the road for Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions.
Responding sharply, Lawal urged George to step aside from partisan politics. “I respect Bode George as a retired military officer. He was a governor when I was still a student in military school. But in terms of political value, I think his age and experience should have taught him to take a back seat and enjoy his retirement.”
He added, “Oga George has never delivered substantial votes for the PDP in Lagos. His past roles give him some credibility, but I don’t think he speaks for the party now. The PDP will sort itself out.”
The emerging coalition, which includes prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, continues to gain traction as discussions on forming a strong opposition ahead of the next electoral cycle intensify.