Amid rising political realignments and recent defections within Delta State’s political landscape, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has called on former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return to the PDP and help strengthen the opposition ahead of future elections.
Sowunmi made the call during a press interaction in Abuja on Thursday, where he addressed the growing concerns over party unity, defections, and the need for a formidable opposition to hold the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable. He described Obi as an “asset to the Nigerian opposition” and noted that his return to the PDP would restore balance and reinforce democratic values in the country.
“Obi’s Place Is in PDP,” Says Sowunmi
Segun Sowunmi, who served as the spokesman for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign in 2019, said Peter Obi’s political ideology and grassroots popularity make him an important figure in the nation’s democratic journey. He emphasized that the time has come for all progressive-minded politicians to close ranks and unite under one strong opposition banner.
“Peter Obi is a man of conviction, with a growing followership, especially among the youth,” Sowunmi stated. “He has proven himself as a disciplined and principled leader. We respect his choice to pursue his vision through the Labour Party during the last elections, but at this juncture, it is time to consolidate efforts and rejoin the political family that he helped build. The PDP is his home.”
Sowunmi argued that the political climate demands unity more than ever, especially as Nigerians face economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges. He said Obi’s return would be symbolic of a broader coalition of leaders who genuinely want to offer alternatives to the current administration.
Delta State Defections Spark Realignments
The call comes in the wake of recent high-profile defections from the PDP to other parties, including the APC and Labour Party, particularly in Delta State. Political analysts have noted that internal conflicts, power struggles, and perceived marginalization of certain stakeholders are driving the wave of exits.
In the past two weeks, several PDP members in Delta—once a stronghold of the party—have either defected or expressed interest in joining rival parties. This trend has raised concerns about the future of the PDP in the South-South region and prompted renewed calls for internal reconciliation and strategic reinforcements.
Sowunmi said the situation in Delta should be a wake-up call to the PDP leadership at all levels.
“We cannot afford to ignore the developments in Delta and other states. We must recognize that without unity and collective vision, the party risks becoming fragmented. This is why voices like Peter Obi’s are important to our rebuilding process,” he said.
Strengthening Opposition for 2027
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Sowunmi stressed the need for a “grand alliance of democratic forces” that can offer a credible and united opposition to the APC. He described the fragmentation of opposition parties in the 2023 elections as a missed opportunity and warned against repeating the same mistake.
“Fragmented opposition only benefits the ruling party. We must learn from the past and build a stronger, united front. The opposition must go beyond rhetoric and ego; we need real collaboration, grounded in national interest,” he said.
He proposed a strategic roundtable among key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and others to discuss ways to present a single, formidable candidate in 2027.
Labour Party Responds Cautiously
While there has not been an official response from Peter Obi, some stakeholders within the Labour Party have reacted to Sowunmi’s remarks with caution. A senior Labour Party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Obi remains focused on building the party into a credible alternative.
“Mr. Obi is committed to the vision and principles that led to the formation of the Labour Party movement. While we appreciate that others recognize his political strength, he is not driven by party identity alone, but by a clear set of values. Whether in PDP or Labour, his priority is good governance,” the source said.
However, the official did not entirely rule out the possibility of future alliances, hinting that conversations about cooperation for 2027 are ongoing in various forms behind the scenes.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Sowunmi’s comments have sparked debate among political observers and citizens, especially on social media platforms. While some praised the call as a step toward consolidating the opposition, others expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the PDP in addressing the factors that led to Obi’s exit.
“I understand the sentiment, but the PDP must first put its house in order. Obi left for a reason. If those issues are not addressed, then it’s just political grandstanding,” a Twitter user commented.
Others believe that the idea of unity among opposition parties is overdue and could be the only path to dislodging the APC in future elections.
Conclusion
Segun Sowunmi’s call for Peter Obi to return to the PDP amid ongoing political defections in Delta State reflects the broader urgency among opposition figures to unify and re-strategize. As the political climate continues to shift and realignments take shape, the next few months may be crucial in determining the direction of Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Whether or not Obi heeds the call remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for Nigeria’s political future has already begun.
