Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Dan Ulasi, has advised the party to reach out to former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and encourage his return to the PDP.
Obi, who served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2019 general election, left the party ahead of the 2023 elections to contest under the LP banner. Despite his exit, he garnered over six million votes and came third behind President Bola Tinubu and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Ulasi described Obi as a “factor of progress” and someone with the qualities necessary for leading Nigeria. He noted that Obi’s integrity, honour, and performance record made him a suitable candidate for any serious political formation aiming for good governance.
“If there are no inordinate ambitions within the PDP—people who are afraid of being overshadowed—Obi is someone the party should openly approach,” Ulasi stated.
This suggestion comes amid ongoing internal crisis within the PDP, with reports of disintegration and recent defections. Former vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori are among those said to have joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). More defections are reportedly imminent.
Despite these tensions, PDP stalwart Atiku Abubakar recently formed a coalition with Peter Obi and other opposition figures to challenge President Tinubu’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the PDP Governors Forum has distanced itself from Atiku’s coalition plans.
Ulasi emphasized that governance should take precedence over party allegiance. “We are talking about leadership for a better government of Nigeria—not just a better party or a better person,” he said. He also offered to leverage his personal relationship with Obi to convince him to rejoin the PDP, if officially approached achievements after eight years in office,” he added.
