There are growing signs that Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, might return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This possible move has started to unsettle the opposition alliance currently taking shape under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Many believe Obi’s defection could weaken the unity and power of the opposition bloc.

The rumor gained attention after former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, stated on Channels TV that some intelligence reports suggest Obi may be considering a return to PDP to contest the 2027 presidential ticket.

Sheriff claimed that Obi strongly desires to become President and that Atiku Abubakar, his former running mate, wouldn’t settle for anything less.

Obi had run alongside Atiku in the 2019 election under PDP but left the party in 2022 to run under the Labour Party in 2023.

Just before Sheriff’s comment, PDP elder and founding member, Professor Jerry Gana, revealed that efforts are ongoing to bring Obi and other former members back to the PDP.

While official talks have not started, Gana confirmed that discussions have begun with people close to Obi.

When asked directly if the PDP is trying to woo Obi back, Gana responded positively. He also said that if he were Atiku, he would have stepped aside in 2023 and supported Obi as a sign of loyalty and strength.

Gana, who leads the PDP’s reconciliation team, has met with Obi and his close allies, suggesting the effort to bring him back is real and carefully planned.

The PDP has already zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. Many see this as a strategic move to attract Obi or other strong southern figures.

PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described Obi as a major political asset and expressed the party’s interest in bringing him back.

Reports suggest that if Obi does return to the PDP, the united opposition may fall apart, reducing its ability to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADC-led alliance is relying heavily on Obi’s popularity and influence to challenge the APC in 2027.

ADC’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, responded strongly to the rumors. On Arise TV, he said Obi cannot risk returning to the PDP and emphasized that Obi is part of the ADC-led coalition.

He also noted that PDP’s recent moves only began after ADC started to gain political ground.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi’s media team has denied issuing any statement claiming loyalty to ADC or rejecting a PDP return.

In a press release, his media aide said Obi has made his stance on the coalition clear and doesn’t need anyone speaking on his behalf.

They warned the public to ignore statements not coming from his official sources.

Efforts to get more details from Yunusa Tanko, leader of the Obidient Movement, were unsuccessful as he failed to respond to calls and messages.

Public affairs analyst Nduka Odo, from Peaceland University, said Obi’s silence and unpredictability are causing unease among both the opposition and the ruling party.

Odo advised Obi not to return to the PDP, calling the party weak and lacking direction.

He questioned the motives behind Sheriff’s statement and suggested it was just for media attention.

According to Odo, Obi’s refusal to declare his next political move keeps his rivals nervous and unable to stop him.

So far, Obi has only clearly stated his intention to run for president in 2027. However, he hasn’t announced the party platform.

Though he is still a Labour Party member, he has shown interest in building a united opposition front.

Odo warned that returning to the PDP would be a mistake, describing the party as broken and controlled by forces loyal to the ruling government.

He mentioned that the PDP is currently in the grip of Nyesom Wike, who is said to be loyal to President Tinubu.

If Obi returns to PDP, Odo believes he risks becoming a powerless figure, like others who have fallen under the influence of Wike and Tinubu.

Odo criticized PDP’s decision to zone its ticket to the South, saying it means little without real reform in the party.

He advised Obi to continue confusing his opponents, as this unpredictability is a strength in politics.

To the ADC, he suggested stepping up their efforts since Obi is now facing pressure from both Atiku’s and Tinubu’s camps.

He also pointed out that the ruling party seems to focus more on Obi than Atiku, likely because Obi has a stronger connection with the people.

Odo concluded that Obi’s massive support is what makes him the biggest threat to the ruling party.

He urged Nigerians to evaluate all candidates based on their integrity and leadership history.

Only by choosing the right leader, he said, can Nigeria escape widespread poverty and hunger.