PDP Considers Coalition, Sets Conditions For Atiku, Peter Obi, El-Rufai

• PDP Considers Coalition, Sets Conditions For Atiku, Peter Obi, El-Rufai.
• Atiku Abubakar confirms participation in opposition alliance.
• PDP leaders demand clarity on Atiku’s coalition role.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has yet to officially decide on joining the emerging coalition of opposition parties seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

However, party insiders have revealed that any partnership must not compromise the PDP’s identity, signaling a cautious approach to the proposed alliance.

Despite holding power for 16 years before being displaced by the APC in 2015, the PDP remains strategic about its next political move. While it has not formally endorsed the coalition, sources suggest the party is open to collaboration—provided its core values remain intact.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has openly embraced the coalition. Last Thursday, he confirmed his involvement alongside Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition’s objective is to present a formidable opposition against the APC in the next general election.

During a press conference organized by opposition figures, Atiku affirmed, “Yes,” when asked if the coalition would serve as the main opposition bloc in 2027. His declaration signals a notable shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, as opposition forces aim to consolidate their strength against the ruling party.

Despite Atiku’s involvement, the PDP expects further clarification from him regarding his role in the coalition. A member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) told Vanguard, “We expect him to shed more light on his decision as we proceed. He remains a high-ranking member of our party. He has not announced any departure from the PDP.”

The source recalled Atiku’s previous departures from the party—first to join Tinubu’s Action Congress (AC) for the 2007 presidential race, and later in 2013 to co-found the APC—before ultimately returning to the PDP each time.

“Whether he plans to leave again or wants others to align with us to defeat the APC’s rigging machinery in 2027 is yet to be clarified,” the party official added. “However, from interactions with his team, it is evident that this move is a strategic effort to unify opposition forces.”

While some PDP members view the coalition as a necessary step to challenge the APC, others remain wary of its implications. Prominent party figures like former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido have outrightly rejected any idea of abandoning the PDP.

Lamido, a founding PDP member, criticized calls by El-Rufai—who recently left the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—for PDP members to defect. “The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai. You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP,” he stated, reaffirming his loyalty.

Similarly, PDP elder statesman Bode George dismissed speculation of a defection, maintaining his commitment to the party. “I am in the PDP to stay,” George declared, emphasizing the party’s dedication to Nigerians’ interests.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the PDP faces a critical decision: whether to join forces with other opposition parties or contest independently while preserving its political identity.

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