“Talks Ongoing” — Peter Obi’s Camp Confirms Discussions With PDP, Others Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Obidient Movement has confirmed that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is in discussions with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections. The National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, stated in Abuja on Thursday that Obi remains open to conversations with any individual or group committed to rebuilding Nigeria.

Yunusa acknowledged that the PDP has been making overtures, with several party leaders speaking publicly about their interest in Obi. “It is no longer a secret. The PDP has made and is still making overtures. They are beckoning on Mr. Peter Obi,” he said. Emphasising Obi’s focus on national interest, Yunusa noted, “Like our principal has said time and again, he remains open to discussions that will lead to the rescue of Nigeria from our present precarious socio-economic predicaments. It has never been about Peter Obi as a person. It has always been about Nigeria and the Nigerian people.”

Responding to questions about whether any concrete offers or decisions had been made, Yunusa said discussions are ongoing and that any decision taken would be in the collective interest of the nation. He added that rescuing Nigeria is a task far beyond individual ambition and requires unity among opposition parties.

Dr. Katch Onanuju, a founding member of the Obidient Movement and Director General of the Heritage Centre, welcomed the talks, describing them as a positive and necessary development. He argued that many of the country’s current political challenges trace back to unresolved issues within the PDP, and a unified opposition could be the key to real change. Onanuju highlighted that both Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with others, were originally PDP members before the 2023 elections. He blamed the party’s refusal to zone the presidential ticket to the South after eight years of a northern presidency as the cause of the internal rebellion and subsequent defections.

He recalled that the G-5 governors, led by current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, stayed in the party but worked against its candidate in protest. With 2027 approaching, Onanuju believes the opposition has a fresh opportunity to correct past missteps and ensure broader national inclusion.

PDP elder statesman Professor Jerry Gana also weighed in, saying during an Arise TV appearance that Obi would be a formidable contender if he emerged as the PDP’s candidate. Obi had left the PDP in May 2022 following a disagreement over zoning arrangements and went on to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, where he gained nationwide attention and energised youth support through the Obidient Movement.