PDP Sets Condition for Backing Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai in 2027 Coalition

As opposition parties begin talks to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has indicated it may support the emerging coalition against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but only on the condition that the party does not lose its identity in the process.

Although the PDP has yet to formally declare its stance on the coalition being championed by several opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, sources within the party told the Sunday Vanguard that internal consultations are ongoing. The party is reportedly watching developments closely and will demand clarity from Atiku, its 2023 presidential candidate, regarding his recent coalition announcement.

Atiku had declared his support for a united opposition front at a recent press conference, where he confirmed discussions were underway among key opposition leaders to challenge the APC’s hold on power in 2027. He made the comments in response to El-Rufai’s call for prominent opposition members to form a joint force and his own decision to leave the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

While Atiku’s move is being viewed as a strategic attempt to consolidate opposition efforts, it has stirred mixed reactions within the PDP. A senior member of the party’s National Executive Committee, who spoke anonymously, said Atiku’s intentions remain unclear but are expected to be clarified soon. The source emphasized that Atiku remains a member of the PDP and has not formally severed ties with the party, despite past defections and returns over the years.

The PDP insider acknowledged that the formation of a coalition marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political landscape, potentially uniting parties and individuals like Peter Obi in a broad alliance against the ruling government. However, the source also noted that the move might not enjoy unanimous support within the PDP, as some leaders are wary of compromising the party’s core identity.

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido articulated this concern, stating that the PDP, which helped shape El-Rufai’s political career, should not be abandoned. He dismissed El-Rufai’s call to join the SDP and criticized his motivations, stressing that leadership requires patience, vision, and a focus on national unity.

Lamido’s stance was echoed by PDP stalwart Chief Bode George, who reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and dismissed any suggestions of defection. For both leaders, preserving the PDP’s legacy and integrity is paramount, even as the party explores potential alliances.

As talks continue, the PDP’s condition for participation in the coalition remains firm: any collaboration must not dilute its identity or compromise its foundational principles.