Tony Okeke, a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed concerns that the party will struggle to secure victory in the 2027 general elections if current divisions persist.
In his remarks during an interview, Okeke emphasized that while the PDP is a more favourable political party compared to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a fragmented party cannot hope to defeat the APC. “The PDP is a household name in the country, but a house divided cannot stand against the APC; we must unite,” he asserted.
Okeke analyzed the PDP’s challenges, attributing significant issues to what he termed the “Atiku Abubakar problem.” He claimed that the former vice president had caused more damage to the party than anyone else throughout its history. He recounted instances from the early days of the PDP, including attempts to unseat then-President Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku’s multiple departures from the party, including a stint with the Action Congress of Nigeria in 2007, before eventually returning.
He criticized the party for allowing Atiku to retain his privileges and positions upon his return, arguing that this has contributed to a culture of indiscipline within the PDP. “Each time he left and came back, it seemed as if nothing happened, which sowed the seeds of indiscipline that have plagued the party,” Okeke explained.
Looking ahead, Okeke advocated for a unified approach within the PDP, calling for an expanded caucus to commit to zoning the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South. “The party’s leadership must unite and commit to zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. If this happens, those who left due to the perceived injustices of the 2023 nomination will return, and the party can regain its strength,” he concluded.
