You’re An Incurable Virus! – Babachir Lawal Blasts PDP Governors, Rules Out Merger Talks

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has dismissed claims of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors being part of the ongoing political coalition.

Lawal, a prominent figure in the emerging alliance involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, made this statement in response to reports that PDP governors had withdrawn from the coalition.

During a recent meeting in Ibadan, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the PDP governors clearly rejected any notion of merging or forming a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Mohammed emphasized that while the PDP remains open to welcoming new individuals, parties, or groups, it has no intention of dissolving into or merging with any political alliance.

Speaking to The Punch, Lawal bluntly described the PDP as “an incurable virus” and insisted that the party holds no appeal for those involved in the coalition efforts.

“In all our discussions with coalition stakeholders, the PDP has never come up. Everyone we engage with sees the PDP as a lost cause,” Lawal said.

He added, “I’ve never attended a meeting where PDP was considered for inclusion. Maybe Atiku had that in mind, but our conversations have mainly focused on two paths: either forming a new political party or joining an existing one — PDP isn’t on the table.”

Lawal also dismissed suggestions that the PDP could be revived, asserting it is beyond redemption.

“Many people, both within and outside the PDP, have suggested the party can be fixed. But each time the idea comes up, the situation worsens. Frankly, I don’t believe the PDP is filled with serious-minded individuals,” he concluded.