PDP coalition to Atiku: Join us, not rename us

DDM News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its willingness to enter into coalitions with political stakeholders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

However, the party has categorically rejected any suggestion that it should change its name, symbol, or identity as part of such arrangements.

This position was made known by the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, following a meeting of PDP governors held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He stated that the party remains open to alliances, mergers, or strategic cooperation focused on unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections.

Damagum explained that the PDP welcomes all political actors and interest groups who are committed to forming a united opposition front.

He noted that the PDP is ready to work with those who share the goal of delivering better governance and ending the APC’s dominance.

Despite this openness, he emphasized that any attempt to rename, rebrand, or restructure the PDP to create a new identity would not be tolerated.

According to him, the PDP has existed for over 25 years and has built a strong, recognizable political legacy.

He insisted that the party’s name, symbol, and history are assets that cannot be sacrificed for political convenience or experimentation.

Damagum reiterated that while talks of political alignment are welcome, the identity of the PDP is non-negotiable.

He clarified that the recent meeting of PDP governors was misinterpreted by some as a rejection of Atiku or other political figures advocating for coalition efforts.

In reality, the governors were only opposed to any coalition plans that include altering the party’s foundational branding.

Damagum described the PDP as a stable and trusted platform with a nationwide support base and a consistent record in Nigerian politics.

He maintained that those interested in joining hands with the PDP must be ready to work within the existing party structure and not seek to dismantle or rename it.

The party also encouraged political groups and individuals seeking unity against the APC to do so by aligning with the PDP’s long-established principles and structure.

Founded in 1998, the PDP was central to Nigeria’s return to civilian democracy and ruled the country from 1999 to 2015.

The party produced three presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan and governed at various levels across the federation.

Even after losing federal power in 2015, the PDP remains the most formidable opposition party in the country.

The party leadership believes that its legacy, electoral structure, and experience give it the strongest platform for challenging the APC in 2027.

Damagum warned that discarding such a legacy to appease coalition demands would be a disservice to the party’s loyal members and national history.

He stated that the PDP is not against collaboration, but such collaboration must be built on respect and a shared vision not at the expense of its identity.

Damagum also addressed media reports suggesting the governors rejected coalition efforts, clarifying that they only rejected rebranding proposals, not coalition talks.

“We are open, ready, and more than willing to work with all parties interested in moving Nigeria forward,” he said.

“But our name, our identity, and our political foundation are not on the negotiation table,” he concluded.

As Nigeria inches closer to 2027, conversations around political coalitions are heating up.

Analysts believe that opposition unity may be necessary to defeat the APC’s electoral machinery.

The PDP, however, has drawn a clear line it will welcome all, but only under its established name and banner.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook