The Traffic

2027 Power Play: PDP in Talks to Bring Peter Obi Back, Eyes Youth-Led Revival — Rufai

In a major political revelation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Abduljabbar Rufai, a two-time member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, has confirmed that the opposition party is in advanced talks with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to orchestrate a dramatic return to the PDP.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Rufai described Obi’s potential comeback as a “strategic masterstroke”, one that could significantly bolster the PDP’s electoral chances in the Southeast and South-South—regions where Obi maintains a loyal grassroots following.

“Leaders of the PDP recently visited Peter Obi, and we believe his return to the PDP, a party he once called home, would be highly strategic and impactful,” Rufai said.

“In 2023, he pulled the majority of his support from the Southeast—historically a PDP base. If we realign with him, it could be a game-changer.”

PDP Eyes Reconciliation, Unity Before 2027
Rufai acknowledged ongoing internal rifts within the PDP but said the party is actively working to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of its November 2025 national convention, where a new National Working Committee will be elected.

“We are 16 to 17 months from the election. By year-end, Insha’Allah, our aim is to reconcile all aggrieved factions. We’re building unity and preparing to enter the 2027 race stronger than ever,” he said.

He reaffirmed the PDP’s nationwide footprint and legacy, contrasting it sharply with what he called the structural and ideological weaknesses of the ruling APC.

“The PDP remains the most structured political party in Nigeria, and possibly West Africa. We are rooted in every local government, ward, and state. The APC can’t say the same.”

Tinubu-Shettima Ticket in Jeopardy?
Touching on tensions within the APC, Rufai warned of the potential fallout should President Bola Tinubu replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of 2027, as some reports suggest.

“Removing Shettima would be a costly miscalculation. In 2023, the APC won just one state in the Northeast—Borno, Shettima’s home. Dropping him risks ceding the entire region to the opposition, opening the door for the PDP to capitalize.”

Rufai Declares for PDP National Youth Leader
As the PDP revamps its image and outreach strategies, Rufai announced his intention to run for National Youth Leader at the upcoming party convention, vowing to energize and empower the next generation within the PDP.

“This is not just ambition—it’s conviction. My goal is to create a new culture of belief, activism, and opportunity for young people in our party. We’ll open doors, not just campaign rooms.”

He also revealed plans to partner with international youth-focused organizations, and to build programs that enable young Nigerians to transition from political volunteers to elected leaders.

With Peter Obi’s potential return, internal reforms in progress, and youth leadership ambitions rising, the PDP appears to be repositioning itself for a formidable challenge in 2027—a high-stakes election that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna