The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has issued a public appeal to Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former governor of the state, urging him and other former members to return to the party. The appeal was part of a communiqué released after a well-attended enlarged State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held in Awka, the state capital.
The meeting, convened to evaluate the party’s current standing and strategize for future political engagements, emphasized the importance of reconciliation and the need to rebuild the PDP’s structure across the state. The communiqué was signed by the Anambra PDP Chairman, Chidi Chidebe, who stated that the party is now “rejuvenated, restructured, and open for genuine reconciliation with former members.”
In a direct reference to Peter Obi, the statement urged him to return “home” to the PDP, noting that his presence and influence would significantly boost the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party’s leadership expressed optimism that Obi’s return, alongside other prominent former members, would foster a unified and more formidable political force capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
The PDP emphasized the need to avoid political arrangements based on mere convenience or alliances with ideologically incompatible formations. It stated that while coalitions are common in politics, their success largely depends on shared principles and genuine unity, which the PDP believes it can now offer.
This call from the Anambra chapter of the PDP aligns with ongoing national efforts to reconcile with aggrieved members and unify the party across the country. Earlier in February 2025, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State also called on dissatisfied PDP members to take advantage of the party’s reconciliation process and return. He stressed the importance of unity within the Southeast and nationwide for the PDP to regain its electoral dominance.
Peter Obi has remained a key political figure since his departure from the PDP to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party. Despite finishing third in the election, he garnered substantial national support, particularly among young voters and urban populations, making his political moves a subject of keen interest across the country.
In March 2025, Obi held a closed-door meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, fueling speculations of a possible return to the party. The meeting was widely interpreted as part of broader efforts to align opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sources within the PDP have suggested that top party leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are involved in efforts to convince Obi to return.
However, Obi has repeatedly denied any ongoing merger talks. In January 2025, he clarified during a public statement that there were no formal discussions with the PDP, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), or any other political party. He maintained that his focus remained on building a better Nigeria and called on all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, to join hands in pursuing that goal.
Despite his denials, political observers have continued to monitor Obi’s engagements closely, especially given the evolving dynamics among Nigeria’s opposition parties. The PDP’s latest appeal appears to be part of a calculated strategy to consolidate support in the Southeast and build a broader coalition capable of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next elections.
The Anambra PDP emphasized that it is prioritizing inclusiveness, internal reforms, and grassroots mobilization. It urged all stakeholders, including Obi, to consider the bigger picture of national interest and to contribute to building a stronger and more united opposition.
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, the PDP’s reconciliation and realignment efforts are expected to intensify. Whether or not Peter Obi will heed the call to return remains uncertain, but the PDP has made clear that the doors are open and the invitation stands.
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