Abba Moro: Talks ongoing to bring back Obi, Jonathan to PDP

Abba Moro, the senator representing Benue south, says certain individuals have been speaking with Peter Obi and ex-president Goodluck Jonathan over their possible return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He also hinted that Obi could secure the PDP presidential ticket in 2027 if he returns to the party.

Moro spoke on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Tuesday.

Obi left the PDP to become the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2023 poll. The politician recently pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.

The Benue senator’s comment comes in the wake of the main opposition party’s decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the south.

“No, as a party, we have not spoken to Peter Obi. And so in the run-up to 2027, I’m aware that certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi to come back home,” Moro said.

“Hey, come back home, this is what we are likely to do, and if you come, you stand a chance of being the candidate.”

Pressed for an assurance that efforts to bring Obi back into the PDP would be successful, Moro said “nothing is certain in politics”.

“But you know, in politics, nothing is certain. I’ve always said that in politics, two plus two is not four, and so these are matters of interest,” he said.

“And when it comes to existential interest from a community of persons within a geopolitical zone, it is possible.”

He added that “the conversation is predicated on the belief of such individuals that if Obi comes back and is the most favoured candidate, the most supported candidate, and becomes a candidate, the PDP will make an impact in the 2027 election”.

Moro, who acknowledged his involvement in reaching out to Obi, said the party would carefully evaluate potential candidates, including Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, who is also interested in the presidency.

“By the time Nigerians in the PDP gather and weigh the pros and cons of all the candidates, PDP members will be able to pick a candidate by their estimation that is capable of challenging the All Progressive Congress (APC) government,” he added.

Responding to whether Jonathan may return to the PDP, the Benue lawmaker said “some persons are talking to him to come and run, and it is a possibility”.

Jonathan has been mum on the subject of running for president in 2027.

Asked if selecting Atiku Abubakar as the PDP’s presidential candidate for 2023 was a mistake, Moro admitted that “as a result of the way the elections turned out and because Nigerian people spoke, definitely it was an error”.