The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has openly confirmed its concerted efforts to entice former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, back into its ranks. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, described Obi as a valuable political asset who could significantly boost the party’s electoral prospects. Speaking on Arise Television, Abdullahi lauded Obi’s performance in the 2023 elections, where he secured over six million votes despite what he termed “massive rigging” and “deliberate frustration” of his chances.
“Peter Obi is our product. We want to get him back, indeed, because he is a very, very great capital for any political party,” Abdullahi declared. He added that if Obi “had not gone the way he did in the last dispensation and had not faced the institutional obstacles that were placed in his path, we are confident he would have performed even better. That he was still able to command over six million votes shows he is not a candidate to ignore.” Obi, who left the PDP for the Labour Party just before the 2023 primaries, finished third in the fiercely contested presidential election, behind the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar and the eventual winner, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC.
His strong appeal, particularly among young voters and urban populations, has cemented his position as a prominent opposition figure in Nigeria.
Abdullahi admitted that Obi’s departure was a significant setback for the PDP at the time but stressed that it didn’t diminish the respect he still commands within the party. “Every political party that gets the opportunity to have him will be at an advantage. And certainly, PDP is not giving up on that effort,” he affirmed.
