2027: Atiku leads move to entice members away from PDP

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark on Tuesday lead calls for members of Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to abandon the party for a broad coalition.

They made the call in Abuja on Tuesday in a communiqué issued on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting to discuss the state of the PDP and the country at Transcorp-Hilton hotel in Abuja on Tuesday.

Some of the other PDP chieftains president at the meeting were former governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido; ex-PDP national chairman, Uche Secondus; a former governor of Niger, Babangida Aliyu; ex-governor of Ebonyi Sam Egwu; ex-governor of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal, and a former governor of Cross River, Liyel Imoke.

The Concerned PDP leaders also said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has failed the country, citing worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and what they described as a general collapse of public trust in governance.

The PDP chieftains said their party which, according to them, is organic with the discipline, capacity, and history to lead and save Nigeria, is now a shadow of its old self.

The coalition members who described themselves as ‘Concerned Leaders of the PDP’ said the PDP is too weak and incapacitated to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2027 general electiom

“The meeting of concerned leaders of our great Party PDP was called to discuss the disturbing condition the Party has been sunk into; since our loss in the last presidential election and the exit of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman, our dear Party has never been the same again.

“Vested interests from within and the irresponsible actions of the APC led federal government which has been using state institutions to stifle and destroy the democracy knows no bounds!

“The inability of PDP leadership to lead the party by its constitution, rules and regulations led it into a chaotic and undisciplined party!

“The vision of the founding fathers for which the party was established and the role it played in restoring Nigeria as stable and united country and key player on the regional, continental, and global stage has been washed away just as our roles as the leader of the black race is now overtaken by smaller and less endowed countries.

“Painfully, Nigeria is now a diminished country and an embarrassment on the world stage!” they asserted.

“The meeting encourages all well-meaning PDP members and other patriotic Nigerians to join the coalition,” they stated.

The Concerned PDP leader also said coalition partners must develop strategies that reflect both national and local political realities, in preparation for future elections.

Atiku was the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 presidential election.

David Mark was also senate President under the PDP government.