A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Emmanuel Ogidi, says the party plans to engage key political figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s main opposition platform.
Ogidi, who chairs the PDP in the South-South, disclosed this on Wednesday, January 7, during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
“So we’re doing the rounds. We have already seen a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and a former President, IBB.
“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,” Ogidi said on the breakfast show.
“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.”
Obi and Atiku were both former members of the PDP and previously flew the party’s flag, with Obi as vice presidential candidate in 2019 and Atiku as presidential candidate.
Atiku also emerged as the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, which the party lost. Both Atiku and Obi have since moved to the African Democratic Congress.
READ ALSO: 2027: Jonathan Still PDP Member, Promises More Active Role — Turaki
On Tuesday, members of the PDP National Working Committee met with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who led the country under the party’s banner.
The delegation, led by National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, visited Jonathan at his Maitama office in Abuja.
Turaki told journalists, “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 said Jonathan’s comments were “very reassuring and encouraging as we prepare for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun, and the 2027 general elections.”
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has faced sustained internal turmoil since losing the 2023 elections to the All Progressives Congress.
Currently, two factions are laying claim to the party’s national leadership following the Ibadan convention in Oyo State, where prominent figures including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose were expelled.