ABUJA, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party’s, PDP, presidential candidate in the February 25, 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, along with some of the party’s elected governors, has begun consultations on the future of the party, even as they await the outcome of the petition before the Presidential Election Petition Court.
The closed-door meeting, hosted at the Maitama residence of former Minister of Foreign Affairs under the General Sani Abacha military junta and PDP chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi, took place on Saturday, July 29, 2023.
Details of the meeting’s agenda were kept secret, leading to speculation about its contents.
According to an anonymous party source who spoke to journalists, the meeting represents the start of “consultations among party leaders” and the beginning of a series to “prepare grounds to help reposition our party.”
The insider added, “Our nation is in trouble, and like it or not, most Nigerians are looking up to us to lead the way out of the dire situation the All Progressives Congress, APC, has forced us into.”
The meeting, attended by seven PDP governors, was described by Atiku as “ripe with productive discourse and collaborative energy.” He expressed his sentiments via a tweet after the gathering.
The governors in attendance included, Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa; Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State; Godwin Obaseki, Edo State; Ademola Adeleke, Osun State; Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State; and Dauda Lawan, Zamfara State.
Despite the intrigue surrounding the meeting, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, said he was not privy to the agenda or what was discussed.
Political analysts speculate that the meetings are likely aimed at developing strategies to strengthen the party, reconcile internal factions, and position PDP as the viable alternative to APC.
The party’s future direction, post-election, may also be under discussion, particularly in light of the ongoing legal challenge to the election’s outcome.
With another meeting scheduled for next week, many are watching closely for any signs or announcements that may shed light on the party’s plans and the path it intends to forge in the coming months.
The strategic positioning of PDP and its ability to rally its forces could have significant implications for Nigerian politics, especially as the nation grapples with ongoing economic and security challenges.
The party’s response and potential leadership could shape the political landscape and the choices available to voters in future elections.
