The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said its recent visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo was to seek guidance and support as it positions itself for a return to power in the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, led a delegation of senior PDP figures to Obasanjo’s residence at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday.
Members of the delegation included former Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu; Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja; former Plateau State governor Jonah Jang; and Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello, among others. Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, and other party leaders received them.
The meeting with the former president was held behind closed doors and lasted about 40 minutes.
Speaking to journalists afterwards, Turaki said the visit was part of efforts by the party’s new leadership to consult widely and draw from Obasanjo’s experience in governance and party building.
He described Obasanjo as a key figure in the PDP’s history and a statesman whose role in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions remains significant.
According to Turaki, the leadership considered it necessary to consult the former president as it settles into office and begins the process of rebuilding the party.
He expressed confidence that the PDP could defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, despite the challenges involved.
Turaki said discussions with Obasanjo had further encouraged the leadership, stressing that the task of reclaiming power, while difficult, was achievable.
He explained that the visit also served to formally introduce the new leadership to the former president following the party’s recent convention in Ibadan.
Turaki added that the delegation came to appreciate Obasanjo’s contributions to democracy and institution-building during his time in office, noting that the party needed his counsel at a critical moment.
He said the interaction had strengthened the resolve of the leadership ahead of the next general elections.
Turaki also said the party’s readiness would reflect in upcoming off-cycle elections, particularly in Ekiti and Osun states, which he described as early tests of the PDP’s renewed strength.
Later, while addressing party members at the Ogun State PDP secretariat, Turaki called for unity and discipline, warning that internal crises would no longer be tolerated.
He said the PDP was regaining momentum and repositioning itself to play its role effectively in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The party’s National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, also urged members to remain united and focused on mobilising support ahead of 2027.
