The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has debunked reports suggesting that five of its governors are supporting a potential Nasir El-Rufai/Peter Obi presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued by the Director General of the Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, the governors described the claims as “unpleasant and provoking publications” designed to undermine the party’s unity. The statement labeled the rumors as a desperate attempt by political detractors to create division within the PDP.
“The PDP Governors’ Forum is not aligned with these actors, nor does it have any discussions regarding auctioning the PDP to political opportunists,” the statement read. It further asserted that the party remains focused on reconciliation and strengthening internal unity to provide Nigerians with an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Forum accused unnamed political actors of attempting to manipulate the party’s leadership through false narratives, financing internal factions, and creating distractions to weaken the opposition.
Amid these developments, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reiterated his commitment to the PDP, dispelling speculations that he was planning to defect. In a statement from his media office, Atiku reaffirmed his support for a broad opposition coalition against the APC but clarified that he remains a loyal PDP member.
The statement read, “We have observed that some news platforms are peddling unverified information that Atiku Abubakar is abandoning the PDP. This is a total fallacy that holds no merit in logic.”
Atiku emphasized that his advocacy for a grand coalition of opposition parties, including the PDP, is aimed at strengthening democracy and ensuring a credible alternative in 2027.
The APC, meanwhile, fired back at the PDP over its recent allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning the trial of former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel. The ruling party dismissed the claims as baseless, arguing that the PDP has lost credibility and is resorting to blame games.
With the 2027 elections still on the horizon, political maneuvering and party realignments continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
