…Says: Tinubu ‘ll lose complete N-East, if…
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – A two-time member of the Folks’s Democratic Occasion (PDP) Presidential Marketing campaign Council, Abduljabbar Rufai, has revealed that the social gathering is in lively talks with former Labour Occasion presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to deliver him again forward of the 2027 common elections.
Rufai made this identified whereas talking with journalists in Abuja, explaining that the transfer is a part of the PDP’s wider technique to unite its members and strengthen its place in opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described Obi’s attainable return as a ‘strategic’ step that would enhance the PDP’s possibilities, particularly within the Southeast and South-South areas the place Obi enjoys robust assist.
“Leaders of the PDP just lately visited Peter Obi, and we consider his return to the PDP, a celebration he as soon as known as house, could be extremely strategic and impactful.
“Trying on the 2023 polls, it’s clear that Peter Obi garnered the vast majority of his votes from the Southeast, which has historically been a stronghold of the PDP. If we will deliver him again, it will be a game-changer for the social gathering and a lift to our electoral prospects,” he mentioned.
Rufai admitted that the PDP is going through inner points however expressed confidence that they are often resolved.
“We at the moment are 16 or 17 months away from the final election, and earlier than the top of this yr, Insha’Allah, we purpose to reconcile with each aggrieved member of the social gathering. Efforts are being made to align the social gathering and appease these with grievances,” he mentioned.
He pointed to the PDP’s robust nationwide presence and monitor document, contrasting it with the APC’s alleged weaknesses.
“The PDP, as probably the most structured social gathering in Nigeria since 1999, and arguably in West Africa, has a legacy, historical past, and presence in each native authorities, ward, and state throughout the nation.
“This can’t be mentioned for the APC or another political social gathering. We stay hopeful as we strategy the November 2025 conference, the place we are going to elect a brand new Nationwide Working Committee to steer the social gathering in direction of victory within the 2027 elections,” he mentioned.
Rufai additionally commented on the APC’s inner tensions, particularly ongoing speculations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his working mate in 2027. He warned that such a transfer might price the APC assist within the Northeast.
“President Tinubu is undoubtedly a strategic politician, however there are speculations that he may substitute Shettima. If he does, he dangers shedding all the Northeast.
“Within the 2023 elections, the APC received just one state within the Northeast, Borno, the house state of Vice President Shettima. Eradicating him from the ticket would successfully cede the area. This might current a big alternative for the PDP to capitalize on these areas,” Rufai mentioned.
As a part of the PDP’s youth mobilisation plan, Rufai introduced his intention to run for the place of Nationwide Youth Chief on the social gathering’s subsequent conference. He mentioned his focus could be on empowering younger members and opening up the political area to the subsequent technology.
“My aspiration to function the Nationwide Youth Chief of the PDP is rooted in conviction, not mere ambition. I consider I’ve what it takes to rekindle the spirit and reignite the power throughout the social gathering, significantly amongst its youth wing. My management will concentrate on instilling confidence within the younger members of the PDP, making certain they see that they’ve somebody who genuinely has their pursuits at coronary heart,” he declared.
He additionally shared plans to accomplice with worldwide youth-focused teams, assist the entry of extra younger folks into governance, and preserve an open-door coverage for all younger PDP members.
The put up 2027: PDP in talks with Peter Obi for major return – Rufai appeared first on Vanguard News.
