Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is actively reaching out to former members and influential political figures, including Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), as part of its strategic efforts to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, Gana confirmed that discussions are ongoing between the PDP and Obi, among others, as the party seeks to consolidate its strength and reclaim national leadership.
“He [Peter Obi] is not the only person we are engaging. We are also reaching out to other notable individuals. But I prefer not to reveal names until we have made significant progress,” Gana stated.
Atiku Should Play Statesman Role — Gana
Professor Gana also weighed in on the long-standing rivalry between Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate. He suggested that in the interest of national unity and strategic political alignment, Atiku could adopt a more fatherly role by stepping aside and supporting younger candidates like Obi.
“Someone like Atiku has done well in serving this country, but it would be more honourable and statesmanlike if he considered stepping back to allow a younger candidate lead, especially someone as competent as Peter Obi,” Gana suggested.
Gana to Lead Reconciliation and Mobilization Efforts
To further solidify the PDP’s outreach initiative, Gana disclosed that a delegation has been formed within the party to engage former members and disenchanted allies. He confirmed that he would personally lead this mission to rebuild bridges and foster unity within the party.
“I have been asked to lead a high-level delegation to reach out to former PDP members and other influential stakeholders who left the party due to various grievances,” he said.
According to the elder statesman, the PDP has undergone significant internal restructuring and is now a more cohesive and stable platform, ready to provide a credible alternative to the ruling party.
“I can now return to those who left and say, ‘the platform you once criticized is now strong, organised, and prepared to win.’ I am confident that many of them will return once they see the transformation,” he added.
PDP’s Path Forward
Gana’s remarks come as the PDP intensifies internal reforms and coalition-building efforts in preparation for the 2027 polls. The party, which governed Nigeria for 16 years before losing to the APC in 2015, has struggled to regain the presidency, despite multiple attempts by Atiku Abubakar.
The ongoing overtures to Peter Obi and others are seen as a strategic move to unite opposition forces and strengthen the PDP’s chances in a political landscape increasingly dominated by the APC.
Political observers say a potential alliance between Obi and the PDP could reshape Nigeria’s electoral dynamics, particularly if opposition parties consolidate around a single consensus candidate.
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