Umar Sani, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former media aide to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, has dismissed speculation that Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi is planning to return to the PDP.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, Sani said recent developments indicate Obi is unlikely to rejoin his former party, despite ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Peter Obi has just, of late, yesterday, directed all his supporters to vote for an African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate while he is still in the Labour Party,” Sani noted. “The Labour Party this morning asked its members to disregard Obi’s directives. This has shown that Peter Obi is married to the ADC and is most unlikely to defect to the PDP.”
He further stated that although Obi hinted at being approached by the PDP, there is no substantial evidence suggesting a possible return. Sani described the calls for both Obi and former President Goodluck Jonathan to return to the PDP as mere political conjecture.
Commenting on the internal challenges facing the PDP, Sani expressed concern about the party’s weakened state, highlighting the defection of two governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the uncertainty surrounding Rivers State, where the influence of Nyesom Wike continues to weigh heavily on party dynamics.
“The party is in a comatose state. We are trying to bring in capable hands, but we’ve lost high-profile figures, and no political party can survive without them,” Sani added.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions within the PDP about rebuilding the party’s national profile and strengthening its position ahead of the next general elections.
