Political Earthquake: Peter Obi Set To Rejoin PDP, Ononuju Reveals

Fresh indications suggest that Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), may be on the verge of returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—a potential major victory for the Bukola Saraki-led reconciliation committee tasked with resolving the party’s internal crises.

Obi, who served as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate during the 2019 presidential election under the PDP, left the party in 2022 to join the LP. He contested the 2023 presidential election under the LP banner, finishing third behind Atiku and the eventual winner, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During his 2023 campaign, Obi gained massive support, particularly among Nigerian youths, through the rise of the ‘Obidient Movement,’ which significantly challenged the dominance of Nigeria’s traditional political structures.

Although he recently engaged in an opposition alliance that adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform, Obi has not formally exited the Labour Party and still claims membership.

Meanwhile, the PDP has faced continued turmoil following its 2022 presidential primaries, which saw Atiku emerge as the flag bearer. The controversy stemmed from the party’s failure to uphold its zoning principle that would have rotated the ticket to the South, despite its National Chairman being from the North.

This unresolved dispute led to the formation of a reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, aimed at reconciling aggrieved members and positioning the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking to Daily Post, Katchy Ononuju, Peter Obi’s former Special Adviser on Public Affairs, revealed that Obi may rejoin the PDP following a renewed agreement to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

“What caused the initial fallout was the refusal of the party’s National Working Committee to zone the ticket, which prompted us to start the youth movement. The Saraki committee has now reached out to us, committing to zoning the ticket to the South,” Ononuju explained.

He added: “Peter visited Babangida Aliyu over the weekend, and discussions are ongoing. What we need now are firm assurances. We left the PDP because of zoning issues, not personal conflicts. The fight was for justice and equity. Now that the party is taking steps to correct that, returning isn’t off the table.”

Ononuju also criticized individuals like Kenneth Okonkwo, describing him as not part of the original movement, and reiterated that the core movement was started by former PDP members, including Doyin Okupe and himself, before Obi was brought in as their candidate.

“So yes,” he affirmed, “what you’re hearing is true. The PDP is making serious efforts to bring us back. This is not about individuals; it’s about ensuring equity for the South and preserving a just political structure for future generations.”

He concluded by revealing his ongoing discussions with PDP leaders, some of whom expressed that even Atiku might be exploring options to return. “I laughed,” he said, “but the point remains: the pendulum of the presidency must swing fairly between North and South.”