Dan Ulasi Suggests PDP Should Approach Peter Obi For A Return

Dan Ulasi, the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, has called on the party to consider reaching out to former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to rejoin the party.

Obi, who served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2019 elections alongside Atiku Abubakar, saw the party lose to the then-President Muhammadu Buhari. In the 2023 presidential race, Obi left the PDP to join LP, where he became the party’s flagbearer. Although Obi garnered significant support, coming third in the election, he trailed behind the winner, President Bola Tinubu, and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.

Recently, the PDP has faced challenges of disintegration, with key figures like Ifeanyi Okowa, the former vice-presidential running mate, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). These defections have fueled speculations about the possible collapse of the opposition party, which had already faced a series of internal conflicts.

Before their defection, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders had planned to form a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu’s administration in 2027. However, the PDP Governors Forum has made it clear that it will not be part of Atiku’s proposed coalition.

Despite the political turmoil, Ulasi believes that Obi’s return to the PDP could be a positive move. On Arise Television’s Morning Show, he emphasized: “Peter Obi is a progressive figure. He received over six million votes in the last presidential election, and if the PDP is free of internal power struggles, Obi should be openly approached.”

Ulasi further remarked that what Nigeria needs is competent leadership with integrity and honor, qualities that he believes Obi exemplifies. He also expressed his confidence in his ability to facilitate discussions with Obi, should the PDP decide to engage him in talks about the country’s future.

Addressing the issue of governors defecting to the APC, Ulasi stated that it would be disgraceful for PDP governors to leave the party without being held accountable for their governance. “I would like to see them explain their accomplishments after eight years in office,” Ulasi said.