PDP’s Abdullahi Hints at Possible Merger of Opposition Figures Ahead of 2027 Election
Abuja, Nigeria – Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has revealed that discussions are underway among leading opposition figures in Nigeria about a potential merger aimed at addressing the country’s challenges of hunger and insecurity before the 2027 presidential election.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday, Abdullahi stated that the top opposition candidates from the last elections—PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)—are considering putting aside personal interests to form a united front. The goal is to create a formidable alliance that could challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and bring relief to Nigerians grappling with current hardships.
Abdullahi reflected on the missed opportunities in the previous election cycle, suggesting that had the PDP’s past leadership better managed internal conflicts and differences, high-profile figures like former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Kwankwaso, and Obi might have remained with the PDP. Their continued membership could have potentially swung the election results in favor of the opposition.
He emphasized that the PDP’s loss of these influential leaders was a significant setback, arguing that their presence could have covered the narrow vote gap and altered the outcome of the last election. Abdullahi criticized the current APC administration for failing to address the pressing issues facing the nation, such as widespread insecurity and economic despair.
The PDP’s strategy for the upcoming 2027 elections appears to be centered around building a strong coalition of opposition parties to present a united challenge to the APC, aiming to address the country’s critical issues and offer a viable alternative to the current administration.