The Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has extended an olive branch to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, inviting him to return to the PDP. This appeal comes after Obi defected to the Labour Party several years ago, citing limitations within the PDP in pursuing his presidential ambitions.
The PDP’s call for Obi’s return was made during an enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee in Awka, where the party reviewed its current state and charted a way forward. In a communique signed by State Chairman Chidi Chidebe, the party expressed its openness to welcoming back aggrieved and former members, particularly Obi. “We will gladly welcome our brothers and sisters back to join us in the collective quest for a better Nigeria,” Chidebe stated.
The party’s invitation to Obi is also motivated by a desire to strengthen its ranks ahead of the 2027 elections. Chidebe urged Anambra electorate to rally behind the party’s candidates, Jude Ezenwafor and his running mate, Francis Okeke. He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure a fair, transparent, and impartial electoral process.
In a separate development, the PDP unanimously nominated Chief Clems Ezike to fill the vacant position of National Ex-Officio from Anambra. Chidebe urged the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee to recognize and transmit the nomination to the national secretariat. As the PDP seeks to rebuild and strengthen its presence in Anambra, its overtures to Obi and other former members could potentially reshape the state’s political landscape.
