(DDM) – Former President Goodluck Jonathan will only consider returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if Atiku Abubakar is first persuaded to rejoin.
DDM gathered that political analyst Dr. Dayo Kayode made the revelation in an interview with Voice of the People TV, where he outlined the hurdles facing opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Kayode, Jonathan had previously made it clear that his own return to PDP is tied to Atiku’s political future.
He recalled that Jonathan insisted calls for his reconciliation with PDP would be incomplete without deliberate efforts to bring back Atiku.
The analyst noted that this condition complicates attempts to build a united opposition front.
He also highlighted that Peter Obi, former Labour Party candidate, has been a strong figure within the coalition that shifted into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kayode argued that Obi’s influence adds another layer of complexity to opposition negotiations.
He warned that rival camps, personal ambitions, and overlapping political loyalties could stall any meaningful realignment.
The analyst further pointed out that within PDP itself, powerful figures are already eyeing the presidency in 2027.
He cited Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as an example, noting his subtle positioning for higher office.
Kayode stressed that the presence of multiple presidential hopefuls would make consensus-building within the opposition very difficult.
He maintained that while the public may see PDP and other opposition groups as natural allies, internal rivalries tell a different story.
According to him, the political terrain is littered with unresolved grudges, particularly between Jonathan and Atiku’s camps.
He observed that the history of betrayals, shifting alliances, and unfinished battles still shapes opposition politics today.
The analyst argued that without serious compromises, the opposition cannot present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphasized that the 2027 election is already being defined by the clash of egos and ambitions, rather than ideology or policy.
Kayode suggested that unless Jonathan, Atiku, and Obi agree on a common framework, opposition votes would again be split.
He also warned that the ruling party could exploit these divisions to consolidate power further.
Observers note that Jonathan’s insistence on Atiku’s involvement may reignite old tensions within PDP.
They argue that this demand could alienate other power blocs, especially those resistant to Atiku’s return.
For now, the opposition remains fragmented, with no clear pathway to unity before 2027.