By Sandra Ugwu 

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The delegation, led by the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki (SAN), visited Obasanjo at his penthouse residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The closed-door meeting lasted about 40 minutes.

Among those present were the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; National Secretary of the party and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja; former governors Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Jonah Jang (Plateau); the party’s governorship candidate for an upcoming election, Dr Wole Oluyede, and other party leaders.

Speaking after the meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ini Ememobong, said Obasanjo charged the party leadership to uphold strict discipline as the foundation for rebuilding the party and safeguarding its future.

According to Ememobong, the former president emphasised that indiscipline was destructive to political organisations and urged the PDP to make internal order and adherence to party rules central to its administration.

“It was a consultative meeting where we reviewed the state of the nation, democracy and party affairs. He urged us to remain focused and disciplined, stressing that indiscipline destroys everything,” Ememobong said.

He added that the party leadership assured Obasanjo of its commitment to strengthening internal discipline, unity and credibility within the PDP.

Turaki, in his remarks, said the visit was aimed at seeking Obasanjo’s guidance, wisdom and support ahead of what he described as the “gargantuan task” of unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

He described Obasanjo as an experienced elder statesman whose legacy of institution-building contributed significantly to Nigeria’s democratic growth, noting that the new PDP leadership considered it necessary to draw from his experience at the outset of its tenure.

Turaki said although reclaiming power from the APC would be challenging, the discussions with Obasanjo inspired confidence that the task was achievable. He added that the PDP was battle-ready for 2027 and would demonstrate its readiness by reclaiming power in Ekiti and Osun states.

“By the time we win these two states, no one will doubt that the PDP is back, rising again to dislodge the APC in 2027,” he said.

Addressing party members later at the PDP state secretariat in Ogun State, Turaki urged members across the country to support the new leadership, declaring an end to impunity and internal crises within the party.

He said members would be free to support candidates of their choice during elections, adding that Nigerians were already noticing renewed confidence within the PDP since its convention in Ibadan.

In separate remarks, National Secretary Arapaja and BoT Chairman Wabara called on party members to remain united and intensify mobilisation ahead of future elections.

Also speaking, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, said party members were encouraged to host the new national leadership, expressing confidence that the PDP was prepared to challenge the APC in 2027.

Tella warned against voter intimidation and harassment, saying the people of Ogun State would not tolerate a repeat of past electoral irregularities.

“The people are tired of bad governance and maladministration. Together with the PDP, they are ready for change in 2027,” he said.