Gladness Gideon
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has dismissed studies that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a part of ongoing coalition talks aimed toward forming a viable opposition forward of the 2027 common elections.
In an unique interview with The PUNCH, Lawal—one of many founding members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change and now a key participant within the rising political alliance—categorically denied any involvement or curiosity in bringing the PDP into the fold, describing the celebration as “an incurable virus.”
His remarks observe a communiqué issued by the PDP Governors’ Discussion board after a gathering in Ibadan on Monday. Chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the discussion board rejected the notion of merging with any political bloc, though it expressed openness to welcoming people or {groups} prepared to affix the PDP’s platform.
Reacting to the event, Lawal acknowledged, “Each time we had discussions with members of the opposite {groups} engaged on the coalition, the title PDP by no means comes up. Everyone we discuss to about PDP says it’s an incurable virus.”
He added, “I’ve by no means attended a gathering the place the PDP was into consideration for the merger. Perhaps Atiku deliberate to deliver them in, however our dialogue has principally revolved round two choices: forming a brand-new political celebration or becoming a member of an present one. The PDP has by no means been a kind of choices.”
Lawal additionally questioned the relevance of the PDP within the present political local weather, saying makes an attempt to rehabilitate the celebration have constantly failed.
“Fairly lots of people inside and outdoors the PDP have approached us, saying the celebration could be repaired. However every time, the state of affairs appears to deteriorate additional. I don’t assume these within the PDP are severe folks.”
READ ALSO: PDP Not Becoming a member of Any Merger, Coalition — Govs’ Discussion board Declares
Supporting Lawal’s view, former APC Nationwide Vice Chairman (North-West), Mallam Salihu Lukman, mocked the PDP governors’ place, suggesting their rejection of a merger displays the celebration’s inside collapse. Lukman reiterated that the coalition’s main goal is to rebuild public belief in politics and mount credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) forward of 2027.
He additionally accused Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of intentionally sabotaging the PDP from inside to guard the political fortunes of President Bola Tinubu.
Nevertheless, not all PDP leaders align with Lawal’s perspective. Chief Bode George, former Deputy Nationwide Chairman (South-West), backed the governors’ stance, stating on Channels Tv {that a} merger with structure-less actions would diminish the PDP’s stature. He additionally reiterated the celebration’s resolve to not supply its 2027 presidential ticket to a different northerner, hinting on the finish of the street for Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions.
Responding sharply, Lawal urged George to step except for partisan politics. “I respect Bode George as a retired navy officer. He was a governor after I was nonetheless a pupil in navy faculty. However when it comes to political worth, I believe his age and expertise ought to have taught him to take a again seat and revel in his retirement.”
He added, “Oga George has by no means delivered substantial votes for the PDP in Lagos. His previous roles give him some credibility, however I don’t assume he speaks for the celebration now. The PDP will kind itself out.”
The rising coalition, which incorporates outstanding figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, continues to achieve traction as discussions on forming a robust opposition forward of the following electoral cycle intensify.
