Founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana, has revealed that the party has begun reaching out to Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, as part of a broader strategy to build a united opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an appearance on AIT’s Focus Nigeria on Friday, July 25, 2025, Prof. Gana confirmed that while formal negotiations are still in progress, early engagements have already taken place.

“I’m the leader of the delegation. But I’ve met people… You know, Peter is good… I’ve met him (Peter Obi), and I’ve met people, you know, that are going to be the people he’ll refer to. And I’ve sat with them for hours, and we’re moving step by step,” he said.

Gana noted that the PDP’s renewed internal unity, as demonstrated in its recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, has laid the groundwork for these reconciliation efforts.

He expressed optimism that the improved structure of the party will encourage former members to return.

“Yesterday we had a fantastic NEC, and I was so happy, because the next NEC is a convention at Ibadan in November. We’ll do it very, very well. So I have a very solid platform. I can now go back to these people and say, look, we’re set.”

“The platform you are complaining about is now set, is now organized, is now proper, is now ready to move. And I know many of them will respond,” he added.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially zoned its presidential ticket for the 2027 elections to the Southern region of Nigeria.

This strategic decision was made during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, and comes with potential implications for the party’s internal power dynamics especially between the camps of Governor Seyi Makinde and Minister Nyesom Wike.

Alongside this zoning decision, the NEC also moved the venue of its Elective National Convention from Kano to Ibadan, Oyo State, a move widely interpreted as a boost to Governor Makinde’s rising influence within the party.

The NEC’s decision to zone the presidency to the South is a reversal of the 2023 open-ticket policy, and is seen as aligning with Makinde’s possible presidential ambition.

A PDP NEC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The mood in the hall was largely in favour of unity and strategic balance. After carefully weighing the options, we agreed to adopt the founding fathers’ recommendation to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This is meant to rebuild trust among our southern members after the 2023 fallout.”

“At the same time, we retained the existing zoning formula for national offices to prevent further conflict. It was a delicate compromise, but one we believe will help reposition the PDP ahead of the next election.” the source added.

During a closed-door session, the NEC approved a new timetable for the Elective National Convention, now scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, explained:

“The NEC expressed satisfaction over the resolution of all disputes within the party. This again shows the patriotic nature of our members and the PDP’s tradition of dialogue and mutual understanding for the good of the party and the nation.”

Some insiders interpret the venue switch as a tactical move to strengthen Governor Makinde’s influence, especially as tensions escalate between his camp and that of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

While once allies, Wike and Makinde have now become political adversaries. Wike has accused Makinde of breaching internal agreements and allegedly working to weaken the PDP from within.

In retaliation, Makinde’s supporters accuse Wike of plotting to destabilize the PDP to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2027.

The PDP NEC took a firm stance on defections, directing the National Working Committee (NWC) to initiate legal processes to reclaim the seats of defected lawmakers, both at federal and state levels.

Quoting the Nigerian Constitution, the NEC stated “By virtue of the self-executory provision of Sections 68 (1) (g) and 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats.”

Additionally, the NEC warned members dabbling in activities of rival parties, urging them to return to the PDP and remain loyal.

“NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment to the PDP. The law does not allow membership of two political parties at the same time,” said Ologunagba.

To ensure transparency, the NEC also approved the membership of the National Convention Committee and the Convention Zoning Committee, and adjourned with the 102nd NEC meeting scheduled for August 25, 2025.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, emphasized the importance of the upcoming convention in reviving the party.

Represented by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Wabara noted: “The Board of Trustees has always supported all organs of the party, especially the governors, in promoting unity and building consensus to move the party forward.”

He also addressed the skeptics who doubted the NEC meeting would take place:

“This is a very important meeting that many believed would never happen. But here we are, meeting legally and constitutionally. The decisions we take today will send a strong message to those who are still sceptical.”

Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the party’s acting National Chairman, celebrated the return of many members who had defected to a rival coalition.

“Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our fold. Some even claim they never left and merely attended a meeting. We accept their confessions without prejudice.”

He further praised party officials for their resilience:

“I commend our state chairmen, governors, and legislators for their unwavering loyalty.”

Senator Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, said the party is willing to accept back defectors, but urged them to return soon.

“We sympathise with those who became impatient and left, but certainly, they will come to understand. We are keeping the door open for them to return, within a reasonable timeframe.”

He added: “We are working quietly behind the scenes with the NWC, the Board of Trustees (BoT), our lawmakers in the National Assembly, and party chapters across the six geopolitical zones, to ensure we remain united.”

Mohammed concluded with a stern reminder about discipline:

“Acts of indiscipline were the root of many of our past troubles. That cannot be allowed to continue.”

Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has refuted remarks reportedly made by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, suggesting that he must obtain clearance before visiting the state.

Speaking on Thursday in Onitsha, Obi emphasized that he is not deterred from going to any region in Nigeria.

His comments came during a ₦50 million donation ceremony to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha.

The funds, contributed alongside other alumni, are intended to boost the school’s infrastructure and learning environment.

Christ the King College, established in 1932, boasts an impressive list of alumni, including Dr. Peter Odili, former Governor of Rivers State, and former Anambra governors Peter Obi and Willie Obiano.

During his address, Obi stated: “I am not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria, particularly when the purpose is to support causes that contribute to nation-building, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation.”

He expressed concern over the political interpretations of his recent trip to Benin, clarifying that the visit’s main objective was to support improvements in the state’s healthcare sector.

“I went to Benin to invest in a better life for the people. If they have good doctors and nurses, life will be better for them. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society,” Obi explained.

Speaking on his donation to CKC, Obi described it as a token of appreciation to the institution that played a critical role in shaping his principles and character.

“This school helped form the values I and many others still hold dear today, discipline, moral grounding, and academic excellence. Supporting it is a way of giving back,” he said.

He also encouraged other alumni across the nation to contribute to their former schools, stressing that government alone should not bear the weight of educational advancement.

Receiving the cheque, the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke also an alumnus praised Obi and his fellow donors for their commitment to education and national progress.

He offered prayers and urged others to follow their example.

CKC’s Senior Prefect, Master Ejike Ekene, called Obi a role model and a source of motivation, expressing sincere gratitude on behalf of the students for the substantial support.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has delivered a blunt appraisal of his party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Channels ‘Politics Today’, the former governor said “PDP will come fourth in 2027 general election.”

Fayose, a long-standing figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), painted a grim picture: the party faces internal turmoil and dwindling relevance.

He accused PDP leaders of being unfocused and failing to galvanize a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He referred to the current fate of PDP as potentially relegating it to political irrelevance, noting that unless the party confronts its internal challenges, it could become a “carcass.”

This dire prognosis echoes earlier warnings he issued in June 2025, when he visited President Bola Tinubu and lamented PDP’s crisis.

He emphasized “If something drastic is not done, the party will become a carcass. That is the gospel truth.”

Fayose has also publicly pledged to oppose former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 candidate, should Atiku run again in 2027

“I publicly worked against Atiku, and I am saying for the second time, if Atiku comes again, I will work against him. It is time to learn our lesson.”

He criticized the idea of an opposition coalition against President Tinubu as unrealistic, describing it as “a dead horse and a waste of time”.

Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido has firmly denied any association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, asserting that his loyalty remains with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party that shaped his political path.

During a media chat in Kano on Tuesday, Lamido acknowledged the internal struggles within the opposition but emphasized he would be the last person to join the ADC coalition, dismissing rumors about his alleged support for Peter Obi under the ADC banner.

He stressed that a genuine political coalition should rest on shared values such as unity, stability, security, and national prosperity, not personal ambition or vindictiveness.

“For me, a coalition should have clear parameters, why are we coming together? It should be for democracy, unity, stability, security, and prosperity. These should be the unifying factors, not personal ambition, vengeance, or revenge,” he said.

Lamido reaffirmed his commitment: “I remain in PDP because I cannot walk out of my skin and crawl into a smaller one, like the ADC.”

He added that while he is open to supporting a candidate, inside or outside his party who is focused on restoring Nigeria’s lost glory and ousting the ruling party in 2027, he draws the line at coalitions built on individual alliances rather than party institutions: “What we have today is a coalition of individuals from various parties, including the Labour Party, PDP, and others, who are not coming together as institutions of political parties. The coalition is made up of individuals, and that’s why I say, I will not join it.”

Lamido also criticized the APC federal government for using state institutions to intimidate opposition members, and faulted President Tinubu’s administration over escalating insecurity, which he said has fractured national unity under political pretenses.

When asked if supporting an external candidate would breach PDP norms, he invoked past defections by PDP governors: “Who are those PDP governors who defected, to destroy the PDP federal government? They came from Adamawa, Sokoto, Kano, Rivers, and Kwara states. So, why accuse me of being anti‑party?”

He continued: “If members of the party obey its rules and constitution, there wouldn’t be a problem. There’s something majorly wrong in the PDP. In Osun State, a sitting PDP governor just declared support for Tinubu.”

“Did anyone call him to ask what that means? Wike, who is now an APC minister, has said he will work against the PDP. Is that anti‑party? What is it then?”

Lamido concluded by emphasizing the need for internal reform, calling on PDP members to recommit to the party’s founding principles:

“For the PDP to redefine itself, its members and leaders must be ready to adhere to the party’s founding rules, constitution, and philosophy.”

Amid growing internal tension and rumors of defections, Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has issued a strong message to party members allegedly engaged in political double-dealing.

Speaking at the Consultative Conference of Founding Fathers and Stakeholders held in Abuja on Wednesday, Damagum called for loyalty and discipline, urging such individuals to choose between full commitment to the PDP or exiting the party altogether.

“You cannot be in PDP and in coalition with another party. We cannot do this,” Damagum stated firmly during his address at the NAF Conference Centre.

“If you are going, don’t market us. Most of you actualised your political aspirations through this party. We are telling you, come back. But if you must go, do so with clarity, not duplicity.”

Calling for ideological coherence and party discipline, Damagum warned against what he described as “double game politics.”

He said the PDP will no longer tolerate members who try to straddle multiple political camps.

“You can’t belong to two parties at once. You are either with us or you’re not. If you’re not, kindly leave and stop destabilising our ranks,” he asserted.

He paid tribute to the party’s founding fathers, including Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, and Professor Jerry Gana, describing the PDP as a political force born from a struggle against dictatorship.

“We have spent too much time trying to reconcile. Now, we must truly do it and move forward,” Damagum added, stressing the need for internal unity and national relevance.

In solidarity, Senator Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, aligned with Damagum’s position.

He praised PDP governors for their performance and questioned the logic behind defecting to less-established political platforms.

“How is it smart to leave PDP, a party with history, structures, governors, and national presence, for a party with no offices?” Mohammed asked.

“Some of those leaving today were once accommodated, even after they caused our loss in 2015. We don’t want to insult them. But if you have to go, don’t disparage the PDP.”

Mohammed urged both elders and former members to return and help rebuild the party, which he described as the only national political platform with credible structures and a commitment to democratic governance.

He specifically praised governors like Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) for setting examples through impactful leadership.

Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki also addressed the gathering, advising party members not to quit the PDP out of frustration.

“Leaving PDP should not be an option. The option is being fair to everyone. We can resolve our differences and move forward,” he said.

Saraki acknowledged the challenges the party faces but underscored its resilience and ability to self-correct.

“Let us agree to fix what is broken. I will never give up. I am a fighter and I believe we can restore PDP to its past glory,” he added.