PDP Initiates Talks with Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated discussions with key political figures, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, in a strategic move to consolidate its political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

The talks are part of the PDP’s broader efforts to reclaim its dominance in the Nigerian political landscape.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Monday, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed that the party is actively engaging with Kwankwaso and Obi, both of whom were former PDP members before their defections to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Labour Party (LP), respectively. 

These defections were widely seen as a significant factor contributing to the PDP’s loss in the 2023 presidential election.

Abdullahi acknowledged the impact of these defections, stating, “We have lost Kwankwaso, we have lost Peter Obi – all of these people – imagine if they are in the party, we would have won the elections.” 

He added that the absence of these political heavyweights created a void that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) exploited, leading to its victory with a margin of just over one million votes.

Expressing optimism about the ongoing talks, Abdullahi noted, “This APC said they defeated us with one million plus (votes). Just one of these names that I mentioned would have covered that gap for us, and we would have been in power today. 

“Certainly, Nigerians would not have been confronted with this despair and despondency in the land.”

The PDP’s outreach to Kwankwaso and Obi underscores the party’s recognition of their political influence and the potential they hold in shaping the outcome of the 2027 elections. 

Abdullahi expressed confidence that these discussions would yield positive results, bringing both leaders back into the PDP fold and strengthening the party’s chances in the next electoral cycle.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the PDP’s strategy of mending fences with former allies could prove pivotal in its quest to return to power. 

The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched by political observers and could significantly alter the dynamics of Nigerian politics in the years to come.