• Gana: PDP must present credible candidate to defeat APC
• Opposition must unite to take back Nigeria – Atiku
• We’ll resist any plot to stop Obi on ballot, Obidients reply Bwala

As the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) begins its journey towards undoing the harm bedevilling the party, the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, has charged the Governor Duoye Diri-led zoning committee to reflect a mix of loyalty and competence in their search for the party’s new leaders.

He described loyalty as the lifeblood of the party, stressing that without it, unity is impossible, even as he reminded the members of the committee, “As you consider zoning, picture the calibre of individuals who may emerge from each zone.”

The Guardian recalls that the inability of the major opposition party to resolve its internal dynamics, particularly zoning the elective positions before the 2023 general election, contributed to its woeful outing at the ballot.

Influential presidential aspirants within the PDP, who insisted on contesting the 2023 poll in defiance of the North-South power pendulum in the country, threw the party into needless turmoil and division.

Alluding to that debacle, the acting national chairman declined responsibility, remarking that unlike the desperadoes, “under my stewardship, I have worked tirelessly to safeguard the unity and stability of our party, protect our democratic structures, and prepare the PDP for victory in every contest.”

On the way forward, the Yobe-born politician explained that since politics demands pragmatism and not sentiment, PDP should aim to make decisions that reignite hope and inspire confidence in Nigerians, “especially now, when the state of the economy has left many Nigerians disillusioned and disengaged from the democratic process.”

While expressing the hope that the next National Working Committee of the party must be representative, visionary, courageous and proactive, Damagun declared: “We must place individuals who inspire confidence, mobilise effectively, and speak to the hopes of Nigerians.

“This Committee is the engine room where we lay the political foundation for the leadership of the PDP over the next four years. The decisions you take will shape our ability to serve Nigerians, win elections, and defend the democratic values we represent.

“We operate in a dynamic political terrain, sometimes turbulent, always demanding the very best from us. In recent times, we have faced changes in leadership and the departure of some members who chose a different path. Yet we remain standing because the PDP is bigger than any individual, stronger than any momentary setback, and destined to remain a central force in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

This is as a former Minister of Information and foundation member of the party, Prof. Jerry Gana, warned that the PDP risks losing the 2027 presidential election to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) unless it fields a credible, competent, and widely acceptable candidate.

Speaking in an interview on Fireworks on TVC, Gana stressed that the PDP’s survival and return to power depend on its ability to offer Nigerians a candidate with proven integrity, capacity to govern, and a clear agenda to address the nation’s challenges. “If the PDP wants to win in 2027, it must field a very credible, competent, and electable candidate. Nigerians are yearning for change, but they will only trust us again if we present a candidate who can deliver,” Gana said.

He described the APC government as one that has “failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians,” citing economic hardship, insecurity, and a general decline in the quality of governance. According to him, the PDP’s best chance lies in positioning itself as a genuine alternative with a unifying and solution-driven leadership.

The former minister cautioned party leaders against internal divisions and the imposition of unpopular candidates, warning that such moves could hand victory to the APC on a platter. “Let the candidate emerge through a transparent, democratic, and fair process. No imposition. We must give Nigerians someone they can believe in — not just someone who wants to be in power,” he stated.

Gana also noted that Nigerians are increasingly disillusioned with both major political parties, a reality that could open the door for third-force movements if the PDP fails to get its act together. “This is not the time for selfish politics. The country is in crisis. Any party that listens to the people and provides credible solutions will win,” he added.

Gana’s comments come amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, with several high-profile politicians already being linked to possible presidential bids.

HOWEVER, former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, insists the emerging opposition coalition is focused on rescuing Nigeria from poor governance, not promoting the presidential ambition of any individual.

Speaking in Sokoto shortly after being received by an overwhelming crowd of supporters following his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Tambuwal commended the professionalism of the agency’s officers during his recent interrogation but insisted the nation’s pressing problems go beyond personal investigations.

“I remain committed to democracy, the rule of law, and good governance. No agency can make me abandon these principles, what is going on in this country is not right, and that is why I left the APC in 2018. All the reasons I left are even more present now.”

Tambuwal said that the current administration has failed to address insecurity, the economy, and the welfare of Nigerians, describing governance as lacking “a human face.” He said that despite the President’s powers, decisive steps such as recruiting more security personnel have not been taken.

On claims that the coalition is being built to advance Atiku Abubakar’s ambition, Tambuwal said, “This coalition is not about any individual. It is about rescuing Nigeria. PDP, Labour Party, NNPP and other political forces are coming together to give Nigerians a credible alternative.”

He revealed that the coalition will soon unveil a comprehensive policy agenda aimed at tackling insecurity, reviving the economy, and improving citizens’ welfare. The senator urged Nigerians to unite behind leaders committed to real reform, assuring that the coalition will offer a governance model rooted in compassion, competence, and accountability.

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigeria’s opposition parties to unite and put their house to reclaim the country in the 2027 general elections. This comes as the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum declared that the opposition is currently in disarray and stressed the need for a united front to challenge the ruling APC.

Media Adviser to Atiku, Paul Ibe, in a chat with newsmen in Abuja, said the opposition must prioritise unity and patriotism to provide an alternative leadership capable of addressing Nigeria’s socioeconomic and political challenges. He commended the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum for their patriotic stance, noting that their call for unity reflects a desire to save Nigeria’s democracy from sliding into a one-party dictatorship.

“What they have said is indicative of their level of patriotism. It shows clearly that they have the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians at heart. They understand that unless and until you have a very united opposition, it’s going to be difficult to have a viable platform to oust the APC,” he stated.

Ibe emphasised that the forum’s statement highlights the frustration of Nigerians with the current state of the nation, urging the opposition to mobilise citizens and provide leadership that can rebuild the country.

“The leaders of these zones have shown clearly that they are amenable to joining hands with the opposition to oust the APC and provide an alternative government. It behoves the opposition to put itself together because the people are waiting, available, and prepared to work with us.”
He further warned against the APC’s attempts to establish a one-party system, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

But fans and supporters of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, popularly known as the Obidients, have vowed to resist any plot to stop Obi from being on the 2027 presidential ballot. They were reacting to a boast by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, that Obi would not get the ticket of any party in 2027.

Bwala, who made the claims while featuring on Channels Television on Wednesday, said the former Anambra State Governor would only serve as a Director-General in the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC). He also claimed that Obi had lost 50% of his voters in 2023, adding that in 2027, President Tinubu would get up to 2 million votes from the South East, hitherto considered Obi’s stronghold.

But in a swift reaction, one of the State Coordinating Council Collegiate team members of the movement in Abia, Dr Chibuzor Obiesili, said that the “emphatic statement by Bwala that Obi would not get any party’s ticket is suspicious”.

Challenging the presidency “to come clean on the suspicious remark or be held accountable for it”, Dr Obiesili vowed that the Obidients Movement would stoutly resist any attempt to undermine Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition. “Is Bwala now telling Nigerians that the presidency determines who gets a party ticket in 2027? Obiesili queried.

According to Obiesili, “Obi’s support and followership are not only intact but swelling nationwide.”

“Bwala should stop hallucinating; Obi is not losing but gaining more support. His national appeal is so organic that even those who were not part of it before are now among the key drivers,” he claimed. He said that “the Obidients’ Movement is stronger now among states and regions which were not supportive in 2023, having realised the truth.”