Peter Obi Should Be the One Requesting a PDP Comeback by 2027 – Ex-Legal Adviser Jacob Mark

A former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jacob Mark, has asserted that 2027 presidential hopeful Peter Obi should be the one making efforts to return to the PDP—not the reverse.

Mark emphasized that the PDP remains the most structurally grounded political party in Nigeria, boasting 37 state chairmen and executive arms at every local government and ward level across the nation. According to him, these features set the PDP apart from other parties that merely operate with a national chairman without robust grassroots organization.

Describing the PDP as a formidable political “machine,” Mark noted that any ambitious presidential candidate serious about winning a nationwide election should be eager to leverage its nationwide network and structure.

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Context: Peter Obi’s Exit and Labour Party Move

As reported by LMSINT MEDIA, Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, left the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections. His decision to decamp came after realizing he was unlikely to clinch the PDP’s presidential ticket.

Subsequently, he joined the Labour Party, under which he contested in the presidential race. According to the official declaration by INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), Obi finished third behind the PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.

Despite his loss, Obi’s popularity surged, particularly among Nigerian youths and urban voters. His political brand remains one of the most talked-about in Nigeria’s current political discourse.

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Jerry Gana’s Call for Obi’s Return

Professor Jerry Gana, a founding member of the PDP and respected political figure, had on several occasions expressed his desire to see Obi return to the party. Gana even hinted at Obi possibly becoming the PDP’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.

However, during an interview on Arise News, Jacob Mark clarified that while Peter Obi’s re-entry into PDP would be “a welcome development,” no such decision has been officially made by the party.

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Obi’s 2023 Exit Was a Personal Choice, Not a Denial

Mark insisted that contrary to public belief, Peter Obi was never denied the opportunity to contest the PDP presidential primaries in 2023. He pointed out that Obi left of his own accord before the primaries were conducted.

“Peter Obi had the freedom to choose his political path and opted for the Labour Party. It wasn’t a matter of PDP pushing him out,” Mark said.

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PDP Yet to Decide on 2027 Flag Bearer

The former legal adviser stressed that although many PDP stakeholders view Obi as a “sellable candidate,” the party has not yet made any concrete decision regarding him or any other potential 2027 flag bearer.

“Obi is undeniably a political brand that any party would love to have, but we’ve not reached the point where the PDP has decided to hand him the ticket,” he clarified.

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Why Peter Obi Should Seek PDP’s Platform

Mark argued that if Obi is genuinely serious about contesting and winning the 2027 presidential election, it would be in his best interest to consider returning to a party like the PDP, which has the national spread, history, and machinery to win a federal election.

“The PDP shouldn’t be begging any candidate to join. Instead, it is the aspirants who should recognize the strength of PDP’s structure and desire to join it,” he added.

Mark reiterated that while Obi is welcome to rejoin the PDP, there’s no internal campaign or policy within the party pushing for his return. He emphasized that 2027 is still a distant road, and many other candidates will likely emerge.

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Reorganizing the PDP Remains Priority

Rather than chase after individuals, Mark believes the PDP should focus on internal reorganization, particularly at the national leadership level. He said the party should solidify its opposition role and rebuild unity among its members, especially after internal wrangling in recent years.

“We already have 37 functioning state chairmen and structured representation down to every ward in Nigeria. That is more than any other party can boast of,” he noted.

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PDP Welcoming Returnees — But Not Desperate

Mark disclosed that many former PDP members who joined other coalitions or platforms have already returned to the fold. Recent meetings have seen the rejoining of high-profile figures, including the former governors of Jigawa and Niger States.

He stated emphatically that:

“Peter Obi’s return would be appreciated, but it’s not a pressing agenda or party-wide pursuit. The PDP remains open to all returnees and welcomes old and new members alike.”