A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abba Moro, has admitted that the party regrets presenting Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.
Moro, who is the Senate Minority Leader and represents Benue South, made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.
“As a result of how the election turned out and because the Nigerian people spoke, definitely, it [fielding Atiku] was an error,” Moro said. “To lose a very monumental election in that disastrous manner is certainly in for regret.”
The PDP lost the 2023 presidential election to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Bola Tinubu declared winner. Atiku came second before eventually dumping the PDP in 2024, leaving his next political move unclear.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, there are speculations that the opposition party is making moves to bring back former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi.
Since losing to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, Jonathan has kept a low profile, rarely appearing at PDP functions. Obi, who was Atiku’s running mate in 2019, left the PDP for the Labour Party, where he contested the 2023 presidency.
Moro confirmed that Obi’s departure followed internal frustrations but hinted that talks are ongoing to lure him back.
“In the run-up to 2027, I am aware certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi: ‘Hey, come back home, this is what we are likely to do, and if you come, you stand a chance of being the candidate’,” Moro revealed.
On whether Jonathan could also be persuaded to return, the senator said, “Some persons are talking to the former president to come and run. It is a possibility.”
This 9am News report underlines a shifting strategy within the PDP as it searches for a strong candidate to challenge the APC in 2027.
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