Former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, has suggested that Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, may soon return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pursue his 2027 presidential ambition.
Obi, who recently aligned with several opposition leaders under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, has been vocal about challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections. While he has shown interest in contesting again, there is growing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could also be in the race for the PDP’s presidential ticket.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television Politics Today, on Monday, Sheriff revealed that credible information available to him points toward Obi rejoining the PDP.
Sheriff shares Obi’s tendency to leave ADC
“Information available to me is that any moment from now, Obi would go back to the PDP and run as a presidential candidate under the PDP,” Sheriff stated.
He added, “Atiku has been the vice president of Nigeria. So for him, (it is) president or nothing. Peter Obi ran under the PDP. His ambition is to become President.”
Sheriff also weighed in on the political influence of key opposition figures, suggesting their current standing may not give them a significant edge. “So that leaves Vice President Atiku and (Rotimi) Amaechi. So tell me, which states do they control?” he asked.
Obi’s possible return to the PDP could reshape the dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections, especially if he seeks to unify the opposition under a stronger, singular platform.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesman for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, cannot “take the risk” of returning to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
ADC reacts
Meanwhile the spokesman for the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, cannot “take the risk” of going back to the PDP.
He noted that the former Anambra governor is part of the ADC coalition while speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time.
“Let me say clearly, Peter Obi is in the coalition. Regardless of what anybody is saying. But it is good to see that it has taken the coming on board of ADC, to get PDP to begin to make some movements.
“But everyone knows the jugular of the PDP is in the hands of the ruling party. Peter Obi, more than anyone else, knows that he cannot take the risk of going to the PDP.”
