Peter Obi’s Next Move: PDP Talks Stir Confusion, ADC Issues Warning

The political atmosphere is heating up as rumors swirl that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may be considering a return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

This speculation has sparked unease within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its growing coalition of opposition parties. Many believe Obi’s possible defection could disrupt the fragile unity the bloc is working hard to build in its quest to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fueling the buzz was former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, who claimed during a live appearance on Channels TV that intelligence reports indicated Obi is eyeing a PDP comeback and may even contest for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

“Peter Obi wants to be President. Atiku has been Vice President, and for him, it’s President or nothing,” Sheriff remarked, drawing attention to the brewing rivalry within the PDP.

Obi, who served as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in 2019, left the PDP in 2022 to pursue his own presidential ambition under the Labour Party.

Adding fuel to the fire, PDP elder statesman, Prof. Jerry Gana, confirmed that the party is actively engaging Obi and other former members in hopes of strengthening its 2027 strategy. While no formal negotiations have started, conversations are ongoing.

“If I were the former Vice President, I would have supported Peter in 2023,” Gana said, hinting at the PDP’s internal regrets and current outreach efforts.

The PDP has also zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move widely interpreted as an invitation to Obi and other influential southern figures.

But the idea of Obi rejoining the PDP has not gone down well within the ADC camp. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that Obi cannot afford to risk a return to his former party.

“Peter Obi, more than anyone else, knows that he cannot take the risk of going to the PDP,” he said during an appearance on Arise TV.

In the midst of the growing speculation, Obi’s media team has issued a clear statement: he has not commented on any switch to PDP or ADC. The clarification came after a false statement began circulating online.

“Peter Obi has been clear about his current focus. He hasn’t authorized any statement suggesting otherwise,” said Ibrahim Umar, of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR).

Despite that, the guessing game continues.

Nduka Odo, a public affairs analyst and lecturer at Peaceland University, believes Obi’s silence is strategic—and effective.

“Obi’s unpredictable moves are keeping everyone on edge, including his allies and the ruling party. That unpredictability may be his greatest strength,” Odo explained.

He added that returning to the PDP would be unwise, describing the party as “a carcass held hostage” by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whom he accuses of having a tight grip on the party for political leverage.

“If Obi returns to the PDP, he risks becoming a caricature in a game he can’t control,” Odo warned.

So far, Obi has not revealed which platform he will run on in 2027, though he has reaffirmed his involvement in the ADC-led coalition and insists he is still with the Labour Party.

As the countdown to 2027 continues, one thing is clear: Obi remains the biggest X-factor in Nigerian politics today. And as the parties scramble to secure their strongest line-up, Nigerians are left to wonder: Where will Peter Obi land—and who will follow?