A two-time member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Abduljabbar Rufai, has disclosed that the party is actively engaging former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in talks aimed at bringing him back to the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Rufai explained that the move is part of a broader strategy to unify the party and strengthen its chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described Obi’s potential return as a “strategic and impactful” development that could significantly boost the PDP’s support base, particularly in the Southeast and South-South regions where Obi commands strong grassroots loyalty.
“Leaders of the PDP recently visited Peter Obi, and we believe his return to the PDP, a party he once called home, would be highly strategic and impactful,” Rufai said. “Looking at the 2023 polls, it’s clear that Peter Obi garnered the majority of his votes from the Southeast, which has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP. If we can bring him back, it would be a game-changer for the party and a boost to our electoral prospects.”
While acknowledging ongoing internal challenges within the PDP, Rufai expressed optimism that reconciliation is possible before the year ends.
“We are now 16 or 17 months away from the general election, and before the end of this year, Insha’Allah, we aim to reconcile with every aggrieved member of the party,” he said.
He contrasted the PDP’s national reach and historical presence with what he described as the APC’s fragile internal structure, noting the PDP’s strong foundation in every local government, ward, and state.
“The PDP, as the most structured party in Nigeria since 1999, and arguably in West Africa, has a legacy, history, and presence nationwide. This cannot be said for the APC or any other political party,” he added.
Rufai also weighed in on speculations surrounding a potential shake-up in the APC ahead of 2027, particularly rumours that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on the ticket.
“President Tinubu is undoubtedly a strategic politician, but there are speculations that he might replace Shettima. If he does, he risks losing the entire Northeast,” Rufai warned. “In the 2023 elections, the APC won only one state in the Northeast — Borno, the home state of Vice President Shettima. Removing him from the ticket would effectively cede the region. This would present a significant opportunity for the PDP.”
As part of the PDP’s youth engagement strategy, Rufai announced his intention to contest for the position of National Youth Leader at the party’s upcoming convention in November 2025.
“My aspiration to serve as the National Youth Leader of the PDP is rooted in conviction, not mere ambition,” he said. “My leadership will focus on instilling confidence in the young members of the PDP, ensuring they see that they have someone who genuinely has their interests at heart.”
Rufai also unveiled plans to collaborate with international youth organisations, promote youth inclusion in governance, and operate an open-door policy for young party members.
